If you are craving a dish that packs a punch of bold flavors, tender juiciness, and a delightful spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Combining the iconic tangy heat of Frank’s Hot Sauce with a subtle sweetness from honey and a squeeze of fresh lime, every bite is bursting with layered complexity. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day favorite, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe delivers amazing taste with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Recipe lies in using everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smoky depth. From the marinade spices to the glaze, every component enhances texture and flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken sear beautifully while adding subtle richness.
- Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce: The star ingredient offering authentic buffalo heat and tang.
- Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance and round out flavors.
- Lime juice: Brings a fresh citrus brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note that’s absolutely essential.
- Chili powder: Boosts the overall spice with smokiness and warmth.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and ensures the chicken is well seasoned.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy depth and complexity.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky aroma and color.
- Onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and savory undertones.
- Pepper: Provides a subtle bite that complements the heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The marinade is where the bold flavor begins—whisk together Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce, honey, lime juice, and all the spices until smooth. Be sure to set aside a portion of this flavorful marinade for glazing later; this keeps the chicken juicy and intensifies the buffalo zing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat the pounded chicken breasts evenly in the marinade mixture combined with olive oil. Letting the chicken marinate for at least two hours unlocks deeper flavor penetration, while an overnight soak works wonders for the most succulent results.
Step 3: Whisk the Buffalo Glaze
Mix the reserved marinade with a touch more honey and lime juice to create a luscious glaze. This finishing touch will help build up layers of sticky, tangy sticky goodness on the cooked chicken. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to brush it on.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken breasts, allowing a beautiful golden crust to develop. Turning down the heat and covering the pan lets the chicken cook through perfectly, locking in moisture while enhancing those charred flavors.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once cooked, brush the chicken generously with the buffalo glaze. The amount of glaze is entirely up to you—go heavier for more heat or lightly for a gentle kick. Let the glaze rest on the warm chicken, creating sticky, finger-licking layers of flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this Buffalo Chicken Recipe into something special. Try sprinkling chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild sharpness or drizzle a little cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat with creamy indulgence.
Side Dishes
This spicy chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like crisp celery sticks and carrot batons, which refresh the palate. For something heartier, serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a vibrant salad to soak up every bit of that flavorful buffalo glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond serving on a plate, turn this Buffalo Chicken Recipe into a mouthwatering sandwich wrapped in a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato. Or shred the cooked chicken for spicy buffalo tacos, quesadillas, or even a loaded buffalo chicken pizza for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but be mindful to glaze it lightly again if reheating to keep the chicken moist and full of that bold buffalo flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked buffalo chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or store in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste retention.
Reheating
Reheat buffalo chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F, brushing on some extra glaze as it warms to revive the spicy, sticky finish. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier, slightly richer flavor and still work wonderfully with this Buffalo Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
This recipe balances heat and sweetness well, with Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce providing a moderate spice level. If you prefer milder or hotter versions, adjust the amount of hot sauce or honey accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce and spices. Always check labels to be safe, especially with bottled sauces.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderness, a minimum of 2 hours will still yield delicious results. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add nice seasoning.
What’s the best way to serve this buffalo chicken for a party?
Serve sliced buffalo chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch and blue cheese, plus crisp veggies and soft rolls for guests to build their own sandwiches. It’s always a hit!
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe is a fantastic go-to when you want a flavorful, quick, and fun meal that never disappoints. Once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it’s a personal favorite to share with friends and family. Grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy some genuinely irresistible buffalo goodness!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a spicy buffalo sauce blend, pan-seared to perfection, and finished with a tangy honey-lime glaze. Perfect as a quick and satisfying main dish with a balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Buffalo Glaze
- Reserved marinade (from the chicken marinade)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ 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. Then measure out 1/4 cup of this marinade and place it in a shallow dish or freezer bag along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade mixture and toss to coat evenly. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Make the Buffalo Glaze: To the remaining marinade, whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 ½ teaspoons of lime juice to create a glaze. Store this glaze in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until nicely browned or slightly blackened on one side. Flip the chicken, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the cooked chicken with the prepared buffalo glaze to taste. Use more glaze for extra heat and flavor, or less for a milder finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and glaze according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a nice sear.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices and tenderness.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
