Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for busy parents and beginners! This easy baked buffalo chicken recipe delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort. You can enjoy classic buffalo chicken taste in a healthier, oven-baked format. It’s perfect for a versatile, flavorful weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to enjoy this delicious dish, ready in under 30 minutes!
The iconic buffalo chicken wing originated in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar in 1964. Learn more about the history of buffalo wings.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Recipe
This recipe is designed for ease and flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
- Bold, Tangy, Spicy Flavor: Each bite of this buffalo chicken delivers that irresistible kick you crave.
- Effortless to Make at Home: Simple steps and common ingredients mean less stress in the kitchen.
- Adaptable for Many Meals: Enjoy it as a main, in salads, wraps, or as an appetizer.
- Baked for a Healthier Option: Skip the deep fryer and enjoy a lighter version of your favorite spicy baked chicken.
- Perfect for Quick Dinners: With just 5 minutes of prep, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect buffalo chicken starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather to make this delicious dish come to life:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are your main protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a foundational savory note.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle spice and aromatic quality.
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: The iconic base for authentic buffalo flavor.
- 3 tablespoon butter (melted): Creates a rich, smooth sauce.
- 3 tablespoon honey (plus more to taste): Balances the heat with sweetness.
- 1/2 lime (juiced): Adds a bright, zesty contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic boosts the savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for robust flavor.
- Feta cheese (for serving (optional)): A creamy, salty topping.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with certain ingredients to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for quick baking, but you can also use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier result.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is widely considered the gold standard for authentic buffalo flavor. Using another brand might alter the taste profile.
- Honey: Adjust the amount of honey to your desired level of sweetness. For a keto-friendly or sugar-free version, omit the honey entirely.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice is key for brightness and cutting through the richness of the sauce. Do not skip it, as it significantly enhances the overall flavor of your buffalo chicken.
- Garlic/Onion Powder: These dried spices enhance the savory depth of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic and onion powder work together to build complex flavor layers.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking this buffalo chicken even easier. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size for baking the chicken evenly.
- Digital meat thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked safely to the correct internal temperature.
- Small mixing bowls: For whisking the buffalo sauce ingredients.
- Whisk for sauce: Ensures a smooth, well-combined sauce.
- Kitchen tongs: Helps coat the chicken thoroughly in sauce and handles it easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously baked buffalo chicken that’s full of flavor.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken and oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large 11 x 8-inch baking dish and spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps seasonings adhere better and encourages a nicer sear. Place the dried chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the chicken evenly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned for the best flavor base.
Make the Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Now, it’s time to craft your signature homemade buffalo chicken sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the iconic Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with the melted butter. Use a whisk to blend these two main ingredients until they are smoothly integrated. Next, stir in the honey, fresh lime juice, finely minced garlic, and onion powder. Continue whisking all the ingredients until they are completely well combined and the sauce appears uniform. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch more honey to perfectly balance the flavors to your liking.
Bake the Buffalo Chicken
With your chicken seasoned and sauce ready, it’s time for baking. Carefully pour your freshly prepared homemade buffalo sauce directly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Ensure that each chicken breast is thoroughly coated in the sauce. For even coverage, use kitchen tongs to rotate each chicken breast once or twice, making sure every surface is drenched in that delicious buffalo goodness. Tent your baking dish by covering it loosely with aluminum foil. Transfer the covered dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake the chicken uncovered for an additional 5-15 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature registers 160°F, as measured with a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest breast.
Rest and Serve
Once your buffalo chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. It is important to let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 minutes before you slice or serve it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken remains incredibly tender and moist. After resting, you can slice the chicken, chop it into smaller pieces, or serve each breast whole. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These expert tips help you perfect your buffalo chicken every time and avoid common pitfalls.
- Reserve Sauce: For extra sauciness at serving, create a separate small batch of sauce or use some of the initial sauce before it touches raw chicken.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the seasoned chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor penetration. This makes dinner even quicker.
- Check Doneness: Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 160°F. This is safer and prevents overcooking.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Do not overbake! Remove the chicken promptly once it hits 160°F, as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
- Flavor Boosters: A squeeze of extra fresh lime juice right before serving adds a wonderful bright finish to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Adjust Spice: For more heat, add an extra splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce mixture. For a milder flavor, slightly reduce the hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile buffalo chicken dish can be enjoyed in many ways, stored easily, and adapted to different dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cooling side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Starchy Sides: Pair it with creamy mac and cheese, fluffy white rice, or perfectly roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Low-Carb: Enjoy your buffalo chicken with cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, or a fresh side salad.
- Versatile Meals: Shred it for salads, stuff it into wraps, or pile it onto sandwiches for delicious lunch options.
- Toppings: Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, extra feta, or fresh chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: When ready to use, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the honey entirely and consider adding a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a melty topping.
- Spicier: Amp up the heat by adding an extra tablespoon of hot sauce or a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
- Shredded: After the chicken rests, use two forks to easily shred it directly in the baking dish with the sauce, perfect for tacos or sliders.
- Chicken Parts: This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result, or even chicken wings (adjust baking time accordingly).
Nutrition Information
This easy baked buffalo chicken provides a robust serving of protein, making it a satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 48g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sodium | High |
| Fiber | Low |
Disclaimer: These are estimated nutritional values per serving and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a professional for precise dietary advice.
While many hot sauces are low in calories, it’s important to consider that they can be high in sodium. The nutritional profile of popular hot sauces can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken typically refers to chicken that has been coated in a tangy, spicy sauce made primarily from a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce and melted butter. It’s famous for its distinctive flavor.
What is the best hot sauce for buffalo sauce?
Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is widely considered the best and most authentic choice for making classic buffalo chicken sauce due to its specific flavor profile and consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in an even juicier baked chicken dish.
How do I make this buffalo chicken spicier or milder?
To make it spicier, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a milder version, slightly reduce the amount of hot sauce or increase the honey.
Can I prepare buffalo chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also marinate the chicken in the buffalo sauce overnight before baking for deeper flavor.
How to shred baked buffalo chicken?
After the chicken has rested for 5 minutes, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. It will shred easily, especially if you pull against the grain.
How to store leftover buffalo chicken?
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it’s completely cooled before storing.
Conclusion
This easy baked buffalo chicken recipe proves that delicious, flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight meal or casual gathering. Enjoy the classic, tangy, and spicy taste of buffalo chicken, prepared in a healthier, oven-baked way. This versatile family favorite is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish (11 x 8-inch)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Kitchen tongs
- Foil
- Digital meat thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large Chicken Breasts boneless skinless
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
- 3 tablespoon Butter melted
- 3 tablespoon Honey plus more to taste
- 1/2 lime Lime Juice juiced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
For Serving (Optional)
- Feta cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray an 11x8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Cooking
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Frank's Red Hot Sauce, melted butter, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and onion powder, then season to taste.
- Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated using kitchen tongs.
- Tent the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.