If you’re craving a quick, savory meal with a spicy kick, this Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe is perfect! Featuring a tender chicken breast smothered in homemade buffalo sauce, it’s topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of blue cheese for added flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a single serving dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 (4 to 6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast

• 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)

• ½ teaspoon hot sauce

• ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 1 to 2 slices of mozzarella cheese)

• 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles

• 1 tablespoon sliced green onions

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breast in a medium-sized baking dish.

3. Make the Buffalo Sauce: Stir together the melted butter and hot sauce, then pour the mixture over the chicken.

4. Add Cheese: Top the chicken evenly with mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then top with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions. Serve immediately!

Nutrients

• Calories: 358 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 31g

• Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 386mg

• Potassium: 36mg

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 659 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 74mg

The Perfect Combination of Heat and Flavor

The flavor profile of Baked Buffalo Chicken is anchored by its signature buffalo sauce. The beauty of buffalo sauce lies in its simplicity and depth: just a few ingredients, including butter and hot sauce, combine to create a tangy and spicy kick that’s addictive and satisfying. The combination of melted butter with hot sauce creates a rich, tangy base that infuses the chicken with flavor as it bakes.

Buffalo sauce isn’t just about heat; it’s also about balance. The heat from the hot sauce pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter, creating a sauce that coats the chicken without overpowering it. The mozzarella cheese provides a creamy and mild contrast to the spice, while the blue cheese crumbles elevate the flavor with their sharp, tangy bite, adding complexity and a savory depth that rounds out the dish. Topped with green onions, this simple combination is taken to another level, adding a hint of freshness and a bit of crunch.

Simplicity and Speed in the Kitchen

One of the reasons this Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe is so appealing is its simplicity and speed. With just 30 minutes of preparation time, it’s the perfect option for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. Unlike many chicken recipes that require marinating or lengthy cooking times, this dish is all about simplicity. Simply pouring the buffalo sauce over the chicken breast and baking it in the oven makes for a meal that’s both hands-off and delicious.

The recipe also doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, making it both affordable and accessible. The chicken breast, the star of the dish, is the perfect protein choice—lean, healthy, and versatile. The addition of the buffalo sauce and cheeses are what turn an everyday chicken breast into a mouthwatering meal. The green onions provide a garnish that adds color and an extra layer of freshness, completing the dish without complicating the process.

A Balanced Meal in One Dish

Baked Buffalo Chicken is a well-rounded meal in itself, providing a satisfying balance of protein, fat, and flavor. A 4 to 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast provides a substantial amount of protein, making this dish an excellent choice for a filling and nutritious meal. The butter and cheese bring in healthy fats that complement the lean chicken, ensuring the dish has a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its low carbohydrate content. With only 1 gram of carbs per serving, Baked Buffalo Chicken is an excellent option for those following low-carb or keto diets, offering a hearty meal without adding unnecessary carbs. This dish fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan, giving you the satisfaction of a flavorful meal without guilt.

Perfect for Any Night of the Week

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, Baked Buffalo Chicken is an ideal dish for any night of the week. It’s quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight, yet flavorful enough to impress guests at a casual gathering. If you have friends over for a game night or a movie marathon, this dish is an excellent choice to serve alongside sides like veggies, salads, or even a light dip. Its flavor profile makes it the perfect pairing with a variety of sides, from crunchy salads to fresh veggies, allowing it to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

Additionally, this recipe can be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups or meal prepping. You can easily make multiple servings of Baked Buffalo Chicken to feed a crowd, and the recipe can be stored in the fridge for leftovers, making it an ideal option for meal prep during the week. The best part is that it tastes just as good reheated the next day, making it a convenient option for quick lunches.

Adjusting the Heat for Your Preference

One of the great things about Baked Buffalo Chicken is that it can be customized to your heat preference. While the standard buffalo sauce provides a satisfying kick, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce for extra spice or reducing it if you prefer a milder dish. For those who love intense heat, you can experiment with different varieties of hot sauce, from tangy Frank’s RedHot to even hotter options like sriracha or jalapeño-based sauces.

If you’re cooking for kids or those who aren’t fond of too much spice, you can cut back on the hot sauce and focus on the tangy, buttery flavors of the dish. This versatility allows Baked Buffalo Chicken to appeal to a wide range of palates, from those who crave intense spice to those who prefer a more mild flavor.

A Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken

For those who love the taste of buffalo wings but want a healthier alternative, Baked Buffalo Chicken is the perfect solution. Traditional buffalo wings are often deep-fried, which increases the fat and calorie content of the dish. By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you reduce the overall fat content while still keeping all the crispy, savory goodness of buffalo flavor.

Baking also helps the chicken retain moisture, keeping it tender and juicy while the buffalo sauce and melted cheese provide all the flavor. This healthier alternative gives you the satisfaction of enjoying buffalo chicken without the added grease and calories of fried wings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To complete your meal, pair Baked Buffalo Chicken with some tasty sides. A green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables will complement the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast. If you want something to balance out the heat, try pairing it with a cooling cucumber salad or coleslaw to add texture and freshness.

For a heartier meal, Baked Buffalo Chicken can be served with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or bread to help soak up the flavorful buffalo sauce. For those following low-carb diets, a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles is an excellent alternative that pairs well with the spicy chicken.

Conclusion: A Quick and Delicious Meal for Any Occasion

In conclusion, Baked Buffalo Chicken is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a meal for a family, this dish is sure to impress with its combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy mozzarella, and tangy blue cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting, savory dish.

The versatility of Baked Buffalo Chicken makes it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences, while the health-conscious method of baking instead of frying ensures that you can enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken without the guilt. Whether you’re serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty side, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a favorite in your meal rotation.