If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances fiery heat with a touch of sweetness, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is the one to make. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a zesty, homemade buffalo sauce that sings with deep layers of flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a game day hangout, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward yet packs a memorable punch that brings classic Buffalo-style chicken into your kitchen with ease and a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors in your Buffalo Chicken Recipe. Each one plays a key role — from the spices that build complexity, to the honey and lime juice that round out the heat with a fresh brightness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-3, pounded thin): Ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce (1/4 cup): The classic hot sauce base that delivers authentic Buffalo flavor with a tangy kick.
- Honey (3 tablespoons total): Balances the heat with a natural sweetness that elevates the sauce.
- Lime juice (2 1/2 tablespoons total): Brings a zesty brightness that freshens up the spicy sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory warmth without overpowering the overall flavor.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of heat and complements the buffalo sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle earthiness that rounds the spice profile.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky note that complements the buffalo heat beautifully.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle sweetness that blends seamlessly with garlic.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a mild heat to enhance the overall spice level.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce, honey, lime juice, and the vibrant blend of garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and pepper. This marinade is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Recipe, packing all the signature flavors into one luscious sauce. Reserve a small portion to use later as a glaze for finishing the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a shallow dish or freezer bag, then add your pounded chicken breasts. Toss everything until the chicken is completely coated. Let the chicken soak in this flavor-packed bath in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step ensures every bite absorbs that wonderful buffalo essence deeply.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Glaze
To the remaining marinade, whisk in an additional tablespoon of honey and a splash more lime juice. This glaze will add an extra punch of flavor after cooking, creating a glossy, sticky finish that’s irresistible. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to brush it on.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Allow the chicken to warm up to room temperature if time allows—this helps it cook evenly. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes so it forms a beautiful sear. Flip the chicken, cover the skillet, then reduce heat to medium and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until perfectly cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Finally, brush the chicken generously with your homemade buffalo glaze. The flexibility here is fantastic—if you love that spicy kick, add more glaze; if you want a subtler heat, go lighter. This final step brings the Buffalo Chicken Recipe to its flavorful crescendo, merging all those layered tastes in every mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Recipe beautifully. Fresh chopped celery adds a crisp, cooling contrast to the spicy chicken, while a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles brings that classic Buffalo wing vibe. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley can also add a bright note and a splash of green for visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Think beyond just wings and pair your Buffalo Chicken with creamy coleslaw to balance the heat, crunchy carrot sticks for extra texture, or fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of sauce. Crispy French fries or a fresh garden salad are also fantastic companions that keep the meal light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe is versatile and lends itself beautifully to creative presentations. Serve the sliced chicken atop toasted buns with lettuce and tomato for gourmet buffalo chicken sandwiches. Or toss it into a big salad bowl with avocado, black beans, corn, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a flavorful, hearty salad. Even on flatbreads as a pizza topping, this chicken shines brilliantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buffalo chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken sliced and stored with a little bit of the leftover glaze ensures it stays moist and flavorful for tomorrow’s meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked buffalo chicken by wrapping it tightly or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your Buffalo Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or reserved marinade to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, covering to prevent drying out. Finish with a quick brush of buffalo glaze to revive that fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and depends largely on the type of hot sauce you use. Frank’s Original Hot Sauce creates a milder but still flavorful heat, while Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce amps it up. You can always add more or less glaze at the end to suit your taste.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Definitely! Grilling adds a nice smokiness that complements the buffalo spices wonderfully. Just make sure to oil the grill grates well and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for Frank’s Hot Sauce?
If you don’t have Frank’s on hand, any cayenne-based hot sauce with a vinegar tang will work. Just adjust the quantity to keep the balance of spicy and tangy flavors right for your palate.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Buffalo Chicken Recipe uses simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just make sure your hot sauce and any sides you choose are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe has quickly become a favorite for good reason: it’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re spicing up a casual weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next party, this recipe uplifts the classic buffalo chicken experience with fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Buffalo Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop and brushed with a spicy, tangy buffalo glaze. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe combines classic buffalo sauce with honey and lime for a balanced heat and sweetness. Serve with your favorite sides or in sandwiches for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (approximately 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce (or Frank’s Original Hot Sauce for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Glaze
- Reserved marinade (from the chicken marinade)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and pepper until well combined. Measure out 1/4 cup of the marinade and add it to a shallow dish or freezer bag along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade mixture in the dish or bag, tossing evenly to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to infuse.
- Make the Buffalo Glaze: To the remaining marinade reserved in the bowl, whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lime juice. Store this glaze in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to promote even cooking. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until the underside is nicely browned or slightly blackened if desired. Flip the chicken over, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the cooked chicken breasts with the prepared buffalo glaze to your preferred level of heat and sweetness. Serve immediately, enjoying the delicious balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight if time permits.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in the marinade to control the heat level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
- Leftover glazed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
