Description
Baked Buffalo chicken is a flavorful, healthier alternative to traditional fried Buffalo wings. Chicken pieces—such as boneless breasts, thighs, or wings—are coated in a tangy and spicy Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and a variety of seasonings. The chicken is then baked in the oven until it’s perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with the perfect balance of heat from the sauce and richness from the butter. Often served with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, or carrots, baked Buffalo chicken is a satisfying dish that delivers all the bold flavors of the classic Buffalo wing without the frying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 bone-in chicken thighs): You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispy exterior when baking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the buffalo sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and gives an additional layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor that balances the buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite buffalo sauce, or make your own by combining hot sauce, butter, and vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps the buffalo sauce adhere to the chicken.
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it extra spicy or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Instructions
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high temperature will help the chicken develop a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
STEP 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on a cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will help achieve that crispy texture when baking. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken and rub it in to coat evenly. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure the chicken is evenly seasoned on both sides.
STEP 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. If you’re using bone-in thighs, bake for 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.
The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.
STEP 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter is fully incorporated into the sauce. Once it’s heated through, taste the sauce and adjust the flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter buffalo sauce, a little honey will balance out the heat.
STEP 5: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is fully coated. If you want to make sure every bite is saucy, you can drizzle more sauce over the top after coating the chicken.
STEP 6: Serve
Transfer the buffalo chicken to a serving platter and serve immediately. You can garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added color and flavor. Serve with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 28g