If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch, buffalo chicken is the answer. This classic recipe combines tender chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or as a main dish for dinner, buffalo chicken is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will leave your taste buds craving more!
Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of protein, 24g of fat, and 1g of carbohydrates. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the buffalo sauce to the melted butter and stir to combine.
5. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
6. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
7. Bake the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9. Slice the chicken into strips and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a lighter version, use grilled chicken or baked tofu. Additionally, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing.
Serving and Pairings
Buffalo chicken pairs perfectly with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. It can also be served in a sandwich, on a salad, or with tortilla chips for a spicy dip.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; just ensure it is well-sealed.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overcooking the chicken can make it dry.
– Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors.
– Using too much sauce can overpower the dish.
– Forgetting to let the chicken rest will make it less juicy.
– Not preheating the oven can affect cooking time.
Helpful Tips
– Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 75°C).
– Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
– Experiment with different sauces for unique tastes.
– Serve with fresh veggies to balance the richness of the dish.
FAQs
Can I make buffalo chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare buffalo chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for the best flavor.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken goes well with celery and carrots, blue cheese dressing, or as a filling for tacos and wraps.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Is buffalo chicken spicy?
Yes, buffalo chicken is typically spicy due to the hot sauce. You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sauce used.
How can I make buffalo chicken healthier?
You can use less sauce, opt for grilled chicken, or serve it with a side of fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken is a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any gathering. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can enjoy in multiple ways. Try this recipe for your next meal and experience the spicy goodness that buffalo chicken brings to the table!
Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the buffalo sauce to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
- Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken into strips and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
