Buffalo chicken brings bold, tangy heat with a sauce that hits spicy, buttery, and just a little sweet. Tender chicken bites get coated in a buffalo blend made with your favorite hot sauce, a touch of butter, and a hint of maple syrup for balance, then baked until golden and irresistible. Serve with crisp celery and a creamy ranch style dip for the perfect cool crunch alongside the kick. Whether it’s game day or a weeknight craving, this easy homemade favorite delivers messy, happy, finger licking fun in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.
- Perfectly spicy with a flavor that packs a punch.
- Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy days.
- Versatile for wraps, salads, or just on its own!
Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your wings cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss until they are evenly coated. Get ready for some flavor!
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 28g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 2g |
Ingredients
Get ready to whip up this delicious Buffalo Chicken!
- 2 lbs chicken wings – fresh or frozen works
- 1/2 cup hot sauce – e.g., Frank’s RedHot
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – for that rich flavor
- 1 tbsp white vinegar – adds a tangy kick
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – enhances the flavor
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – for extra heat
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – gives a savory depth
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Celery sticks – for crunch
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – for dipping
How to Make Buffalo Chicken
This delicious Buffalo Chicken recipe is perfect for game day! With a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 40-45 minutes, you’ll have crispy, spicy wings ready to enjoy in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your wings cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Toss in Sauce
Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss until they are evenly coated. Get ready for some flavor!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer / snacks |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With celery sticks and dipping sauce |
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy base.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference for a personalized kick.
- Mix in cream cheese for a creamy texture that balances the heat.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.
- Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for a future game day treat.
How to Serve this Buffalo Chicken
- Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce for a fresh twist.
- Pair with celery and carrot sticks for a crunchy side.
- Top a baked potato with Buffalo Chicken and a dollop of sour cream.
- Use as a filling for tacos with avocado and salsa.
- Mix into a creamy dip for chips or veggies at your next gathering.
- Serve on slider buns for a fun, handheld option.
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and green onions for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to keep your Buffalo Chicken fresh and tasty:
Storing Buffalo Chicken Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Buffalo Chicken
- Let the chicken cool before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Buffalo Chicken
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is Buffalo chicken made of?
Buffalo chicken is typically made from chicken wings or chicken breast that is coated in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. The dish is known for its bold flavors and is often served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. Why is it called Buffalo chicken?
The name ‘Buffalo chicken’ comes from Buffalo, New York, where the dish was first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar. It was originally made as a late-night snack for bar patrons and quickly became a popular appetizer across the United States.
3. What’s the difference between Buffalo chicken and regular chicken?
The main difference between Buffalo chicken and regular chicken lies in the preparation and flavoring. Buffalo chicken is typically tossed in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter, giving it a distinctively bold and spicy flavor, while regular chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways without the spicy sauce.
4. What is Buffalo sauce made of?
Buffalo sauce is primarily made from hot sauce, typically a cayenne pepper-based sauce, mixed with melted butter. Some recipes may also include vinegar, garlic powder, and other spices to enhance the flavor. The combination creates a tangy, spicy sauce that is perfect for coating chicken wings or other dishes.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Buffalo Chicken recipe as we are! It’s a simple, spicy delight that’s perfect for game day or any gathering. Enjoy the bold flavors and the smiles it brings to your table. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and savor every delicious bite with friends and family!