If you’re craving something with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to summer favorite. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a vibrant blend of hot sauce, olive oil, and savory seasonings, then grilled to perfection for a deliciously charred exterior and tender inside. This dish is both simple enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve at your next cookout. With each bite packing that iconic buffalo kick, you’ll wonder why you ever made chicken any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that together create an explosion of flavor and ensure your chicken stays moist and juicy on the grill. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spicy kick of the hot sauce to the subtle depth added by Worcestershire sauce.
- ¾ cup hot sauce: The star of the recipe, providing that classic buffalo heat and tang.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken tender and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky background without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Provides a sweet and aromatic hint that complements the spice.
- 4 (6-oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: The perfect cut for even grilling and absorbing the marinade beautifully.
How to Make Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the hot sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium-sized bowl. Mixing these ingredients first allows the flavors to meld perfectly, setting the foundation for your buffalo chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a large plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of a couple of hours, or preferably overnight. This step not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you are ready to cook, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid in the bag. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken on the grates. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The heat caramelizes the spicy marinade, creating that signature grilled buffalo taste and a beautiful charred crust.
How to Serve Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your grilled buffalo chicken with fresh chopped celery and a drizzle of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic touch. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley will add vibrant color and a fresh flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair this flavorful grilled chicken with crunchy coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The creamy sides perfectly balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your grilled buffalo chicken into a juicy sandwich with a toasted bun, lettuce, and pickles, or shred it to top a hearty grain bowl loaded with avocado, black beans, and corn. It’s incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your grilled buffalo chicken tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches.
Freezing
This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through or quickly on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the grilled exterior and juicy interior.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative with a bit more fat, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs typically take a little longer to cook through.
How spicy is the chicken from this recipe?
The level of heat is moderate, defined by the amount of hot sauce used. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing milder or hotter hot sauces or by adding a little honey to tone down the heat if needed.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight gives the best flavor penetration, even a couple of hours will yield tasty results. If you’re short on time, try to marinate for at least an hour before grilling.
What other sauces can I serve with this chicken?
Creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese are classic buffalo pairings. For a lighter take, a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce or a simple squeeze of lime can complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe on a stove or oven instead of a grill?
Definitely! You can cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. While you won’t get the smoky char from a grill, the flavors will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the bold, saucy goodness of this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe to light up your taste buds and bring a bit of excitement to your dinner table. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and incredible results make it a recipe worth keeping in your culinary rotation. Give it a try—you might just fall in love!
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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Buffalo Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a spicy buffalo sauce blend, then perfectly grilled to deliver a tangy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The marinade combines hot sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a zesty coating that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor while keeping it moist and delicious.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¾ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Main
- 4 (6-oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the hot sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk together until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create the buffalo marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breast halves into a large plastic resealable bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of a few hours or up to overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the bold buffalo flavors and tenderize.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F, to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks on the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade from the bag. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and ensures a tender texture. Serve with your choice of sides for a delicious buffalo-inspired meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the marinade.
- Chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours but not longer to prevent texture changes.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for an authentic buffalo chicken experience.
