Buffalo Chicken is a mouthwatering, spicy, and tangy dish that has classic Buffalo breasts, a hearty Buffalo Chicken dip for comfort food.
What Is Buffalo Chicken?
Buffalo Chicken refers to chicken that has been coated in or tossed with a spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce. The sauce typically features a combination of hot sauce, melted butter, and sometimes a touch of garlic or vinegar to balance the flavors. Originally made famous in Buffalo, New York, this sauce has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, transcending beyond chicken wings to cover a variety of dishes like Buffalo Chicken salads, sandwiches, and even pizza.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken: Chicken wings, tenders, breasts, or thighs.
- Buffalo Sauce: A mixture of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), melted butter, and a splash of vinegar.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a kick.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Drying the chicken ensures a crispier exterior, especially when baking or air-frying.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder Buffalo Chicken, add more butter to the sauce. Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
- Double-Coating for Extra Crispiness: For fried chicken lovers, double-coat your chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
- Rest Before Tossing: Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack for a couple of minutes before tossing it in the Buffalo sauce. This keeps it crispy.
Buffalo Chicken Variations
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is a game-day favorite. Combine shredded Buffalo Chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spread a thin layer of Buffalo sauce on your pizza crust, top with shredded Buffalo Chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Stuff warm tortillas with shredded Buffalo Chicken, slaw, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top with diced avocados and chopped cilantro.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Use grilled or air-fried Buffalo Chicken in a whole-wheat wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light yogurt-based dressing. A guilt-free yet satisfying meal!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken is versatile, making it ideal for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Classic Buffalo wings with blue cheese or ranch dip and celery sticks.
- In a Salad: Add sliced Buffalo Chicken to a bed of lettuce, shredded carrots, and cucumbers. Top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- In Sandwiches: Pile Buffalo Chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy dressing.
- On Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded Buffalo Chicken, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and bake. Top with sour cream and green onions.
How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked Buffalo Chicken for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer works wonders for reheating and crisping up Buffalo Chicken. Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use the microwave for a quick reheat, but the chicken might lose its crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of wings?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs work well for Buffalo Chicken sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is Buffalo Chicken keto-friendly?
Yes, Buffalo Chicken is keto-friendly if you skip the flour coating and opt for a sugar-free hot sauce.
3. What is the best hot sauce for Buffalo Chicken?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for Buffalo sauce, but you can experiment with other brands if you prefer a different flavor profile.
4. Can I make Buffalo Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo Chicken ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. What side dishes go well with Buffalo Chicken?
Classic sides include celery and carrot sticks, but you can also serve it with coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad.
Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken is a mouthwatering, spicy, and tangy dish that has classic Buffalo breasts, a hearty Buffalo Chicken dip for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: For a rich, velvety sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder & ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt & 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce:
- Feta cheese (optional): For a tangy, creamy garnish
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing an 11 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Place your chicken breasts into the dish and give them a drizzle of olive oil. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures a well-seasoned base for our saucy masterpiece!
- In a small bowl, whisk together your fiery Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with melted butter, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and a dash of onion powder. Taste and tweak: add more honey for sweetness or extra salt and pepper if needed. This homemade sauce is what dreams (and cravings) are made of!
- Pour the sauce over your chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated. A quick tip: use kitchen tongs to flip and rotate the chicken for even coverage. Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 5-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 160°F.
- Once baked, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juices. Serve it up hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle some crumbled feta on top if you're feeling fancy. It’s perfect with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp salad!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 346Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 108mgSodium 2245mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 1gSugar 22gProtein 39g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken is the perfect blend of heat, tang, and crispy goodness, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. With these tips, tricks, and variations, you’ll be able to whip up an unforgettable meal that’ll leave everyone craving more. So, the next time you’re planning a game day feast, dinner party, or a simple family meal, give one of these Buffalo Chicken recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
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