If you are looking for a fiery, delicious, and comforting dinner that is also incredibly easy to prepare, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious buffalo wing sauce that’s perfectly balanced with buttery richness, then baked until tender and flavorful—this dish brings the classic taste of buffalo wings into your kitchen without any fuss. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient enhances the final dish. From the tender chicken breasts to the bold buffalo sauce, every component plays a vital role in delivering that perfect combination of spice, savoriness, and texture you crave.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean, juicy base that absorbs every bit of flavor from the sauce and seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth that complements the buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic layer that enhances the savory quality of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a slight smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking, plus a hint of richness.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable spicy kick with tangy flair.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Blended with the buffalo sauce to mellow the heat and add a silky texture.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional): Adds creamy, melty indulgence for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation with fresh color and a mild, herbaceous note.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the buffalo sauce to caramelize slightly. Lightly grease a baking dish using olive oil or nonstick spray to keep your chicken from sticking and making cleanup easier. Then, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season each chicken breast generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These spices will create a flavorful crust as the chicken bakes, adding complexity and a subtle smoky undertone to the dish.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish
Place the seasoned chicken breasts neatly in the prepared baking dish. This allows for even cooking and easy saucing in the next step.
Step 4: Mix and Pour Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce with the melted butter. This combination balances the vinegar tang and spice of the buffalo sauce with creamy richness. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, turning each piece gently to coat completely. This step guarantees that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat. For an extra special touch, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella on top during the last five minutes of baking, allowing it to melt beautifully.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Once out of the oven, spoon some of the luscious pan sauce over the chicken breasts to maximize flavor and moisture. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you like, which adds a fresh contrast to the spicy, buttery sauce.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh herbs like green onions or parsley provides a delightful pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that complements the spicy chicken perfectly. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese adds an indulgent creaminess that balances the heat even more beautifully.
Side Dishes
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks and either ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat on the palate. For a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables also make an excellent accompaniment, adding texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the baked buffalo chicken and use it as a topping for loaded nachos or a spicy chicken salad wrap. Another way is to shred the chicken for buffalo-style sliders or to layer it over a baked potato for a rich, satisfying dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked buffalo chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain tasty and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked buffalo chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power to maintain juiciness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great if you prefer a juicier, more tender texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
How spicy is this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
The level of spice depends mostly on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. You can use a milder sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for those who love a serious kick. Adding butter to the sauce also helps mellow the spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a buffalo sauce that does not contain gluten ingredients. Always check labels to be sure, especially if you have a sensitivity.
What side dish pairs best with Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
Classic sides like celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing are perfect for balancing the spicy chicken. For a fuller meal, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad also complement the flavors nicely.
Is it okay to bake the chicken covered?
For this recipe, baking uncovered helps the sauce thicken and the chicken develop a slightly crisp edge. Covering it might result in a softer, less caramelized finish, but it’s fine if you want to prevent drying out—just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe enough if you love flavor-packed meals that come together effortlessly. It’s that perfect blend of spicy, buttery, and juicy that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every craving for something bold and comforting. Give it a try, and let the delicious frenzy begin!
Print
Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful buffalo wing sauce, perfectly baked for a spicy and satisfying meal. It’s an easy oven recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack, combining classic buffalo flavors with a healthy cooking method.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a balanced flavor base.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter until smoothly combined, creating a rich spicy glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken pieces, turning them to ensure each breast is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Add Cheese (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the chicken with crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella if desired, allowing the cheese to melt nicely over the chicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon some of the flavorful pan sauce over each breast before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic buffalo-style meal.
- For a juicier option, substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference, increasing or decreasing the heat level.
- This dish can also be served over rice or salad for a complete meal.
