This buffalo chicken is my favorite thing to grill in the summer, but it’s just as tasty when baked in the oven! Either way, I start by boldly seasoning some chicken breasts and smothering them with spicy Buffalo sauce, then cook them until tender and juicy — all in less than 30 minutes. With over 150 five-star reviews, it’s clear that this is the perfect weeknight meal!
Buffalo-Smothered Chicken Breast
My grilled Buffalo chicken breast has all the tender simplicity of my classic grilled chicken, but with a spicy kick. There are very few recipes my family demands I make again and again, but this is one of them. And for good reason! You just can’t beat the smoky char from the grill mixed with mouthwatering Buffalo sauce. It’s truly one of my favorite foods to eat on game day or weeknights!
Me and my family loved it so much, I just had to find new ways to cook it. I love that I can now make this easy buffalo chicken recipe on an outdoor grill, on a stovetop grill pan, or baked in the oven. It also makes a healthier alternative to use in my favorite Buffalo chicken sandwich recipe!
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Only 25 minutes stands between you and this spicy buffalo chicken breast.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or Indoor Grill Pan
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (*)
- ¾ cup Buffalo sauce (divided)
Optional Toppings:
- crumbled blue cheese
- chopped green onion
- ranch dressing (or blue cheese)
Instructions
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
- Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish.½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Rub the spice mixture and olive oil over the chicken breasts.1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Then, generously brush the chicken with ½ cup of Buffalo sauce, coating all sides.0.5 cup Buffalo Sauce
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill.
- After 6-8 minutes, flip the chicken breasts.
- Continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes, until cooked through.
- After grilling, clean the brush and add more Buffalo sauce onto the chicken.0.25 cup Buffalo Sauce
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to seal in the juices. Then serve topped with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onion, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onion, ranch dressing
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- To ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through, use an instant-read thermometer. When inserted, it should register at 165°F.
- I recommend letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and moist!
- Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.
Note: Water, salt, pepper, oil, and broth are not counted as ingredients on this site.
Marinate it for Maximum Flavor
A savory seasoning mix and your favorite buffalo sauce are all it takes to turn these chicken breasts into a flavor-packed meal. If you like, you can let the chicken marinate briefly in the sauce. 30 minutes is plenty while the grill or oven heats up, or marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken (Grilled or Baked) Step by Step
Season the Chicken and Coat with Sauce: Combine ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Rub this mixture all over 4 boneless, skinless breasts. Next, divide the Buffalo sauce into two bowls, with ½ cup in one bowl and ¼ cup in the other. Brush the chicken breasts with the ½ cup of Buffalo sauce, and set the remaining ¼ cup aside. Do not contaminate the remaining ¼ cup of sauce with the brush you used to baste the chicken breasts, since we will be adding this sauce onto the chicken after it is cooked.
Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through to 165F.
Bake the Chicken: If you prefer, bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes in a 400°F oven.
Add More Sauce: After cooking, clean the sauce brush thoroughly and brush the chicken breasts with the remaining ¼ cup of Buffalo sauce. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve: I always serve these chicken breasts with sliced green onions and a drizzle of ranch, or some blue cheese crumbles. It really brings out the spicy buffalo flavor!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store leftover Buffalo chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating chicken in a 350°F air fryer or oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. I like to brush a little extra Buffalo sauce onto the warm chicken before serving.
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