Who knew chicken could be this exhilarating? Picture this: a cozy weeknight, the enticing aroma of spicy buffalo sauce wafting through the air, reminding you of your favorite game-day snack. My taste buds did a happy dance the first time I tried this, and now it’s a staple—sometimes I even dream about it.
Steps
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and onion powder. Mix well and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more honey if needed.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Use kitchen tongs to rotate each piece a couple of times in the sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it with your choice of sides like mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey (with additional to taste)
- Juice from ½ lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Feta cheese, optional for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1680kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 668mg | Sodium: 11040mg | Potassium: 3416mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 1320IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What is the best hot sauce to use for homemade buffalo sauce?
- Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is highly recommended due to its flavor and balance between tanginess and spice. It is widely available and frequently used in buffalo sauce recipes.
- Should I sear the chicken before baking it?
- It’s not necessary to sear chicken breasts before baking. However, if you choose to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, searing them first is advised for optimal results.
- How can I make this buffalo chicken recipe keto-friendly?
- To make this recipe suitable for a keto diet, simply omit the honey. Consider topping the chicken with mozzarella cheese for added flavor.
- What internal temperature should the chicken reach before it is fully cooked?
- The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- How should I store and freeze leftover buffalo chicken?
- Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips
- Reserve Some Sauce: Consider keeping aside about half a cup of the buffalo sauce before adding it to the chicken. This reserved sauce can be used for serving without the risk of cross-contamination from raw chicken.
- Marinate in Advance: For enhanced flavor, prepare the chicken ahead of time by marinating it overnight. Combine the chicken with olive oil, seasonings, and buffalo sauce in a zip-lock bag and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a digital meat thermometer to check, and let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Keto-Friendly Adjustment: To make the recipe suitable for a keto diet, simply omit the honey and consider topping the chicken with mozzarella cheese for added flavor.
Equipment
- Digital Meat Thermometer – Essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – While many people may have a baking dish, the specific size can be important for proper cooking.
- Kitchen Tongs – Useful for handling and turning the chicken breasts in the sauce.
