If you’re craving a burger that delivers a fiery punch with every bite, look no further than the Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe. This dish brings together tender ground chicken infused with bold buffalo seasoning and creamy cheddar cheese, all nestled in a soft bun. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and downright satisfying, ideal for anyone who loves a twist on classic burgers. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or just want a quick, flavorful dinner, these buffalo chicken burgers are destined to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such an exciting flavor profile. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or that distinctive buffalo kick. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistibly tasty burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean and tender base that soaks up all the buffalo flavors beautifully.
- ¼ cup dry bread crumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them juicy without falling apart.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, savory richness inside the burger for that extra indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix: Infuses the patties with creamy, herby undertones that complement the buffalo heat.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo seasoning: Packs a spicy punch that defines the character of these burgers.
- ¼ cup hot sauce (optional): For brushing on the patties, it amps up the flavor and delivers a glossy, spicy finish.
- 3 slices cheddar cheese (optional): Placed on top for that classic melted cheese topping we all love.
- 3 hamburger buns: Soft, warm buns to cradle your flavorful buffalo chicken marvels.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, dry bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, and buffalo seasoning in a large bowl. Mixing all these elements thoroughly ensures each patty will have consistent flavor and texture. This step is where your burgers really start to come alive with the delicious buffalo spirit.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Gently shape the chicken mixture into 3 or 4 evenly sized patties. Taking your time here makes all the difference because you want them to hold together while cooking, but still be tender and juicy inside. A light touch keeps the texture perfect without compressing the meat too much.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook
Heat up your grill to medium-high and place the patties on it. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. You’ll notice the patties become beautifully golden as the cheese inside melts with every flip, sealing in that wonderful flavor.
Step 4: Add Hot Sauce and Cheese
Brush your burgers generously with hot sauce to elevate the spice. If you’re adding cheddar slices, now’s the time to place them on top of the patties and close the grill for about a minute so the cheese melts to gooey perfection. This finishing touch makes these burgers truly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve on Buns
Remove the cooked buffalo chicken patties from the grill and place each one carefully on a warm hamburger bun. At this point, your Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe is ready to be devoured—expect juicy, spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Top your buffalo chicken burgers with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a few rings of red onion to add freshness and crunch that balance the heat and richness of the patties. A dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes an excellent cooling complement here. Don’t be shy with garnishes—they really make this burger shine.
Side Dishes
Pairing these burgers with classic sides like crispy French fries or tangy coleslaw is always a hit. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, baked sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can add a lovely contrast. Side dishes are your chance to add color and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving your Buffalo Chicken Burgers open-faced on toasted buns or turn them into slider-sized treats for parties. You could also wrap the patties in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that still delivers all the spicy flavor. Presentation is an opportunity to make this favorite dish feel new and exciting each time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), store your cooked buffalo chicken patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a quick meal any time you want that same bold buffalo flavor without the extra effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked patties by placing them on a lined tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a zip-top bag. This approach keeps them from sticking together and lets you pull out exactly how many you want to cook later. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making your Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe a convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating
For reheating cooked patties, use a skillet over medium heat or the oven to warm through without drying them out. Adding a splash of water and covering the pan briefly can help maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to toughen the chicken and melt the cheese unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well with the buffalo seasoning and cheese, delivering a similar texture and flavor profile in your burgers.
How spicy are these burgers?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by controlling how much buffalo seasoning and hot sauce you add. For milder burgers, reduce these or skip the hot sauce brushing step altogether.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the dry bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The flavor and texture will stay just as delicious.
Is it better to cook these on a grill or stovetop?
Both methods work well. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and lovely char marks, while cooking on a stovetop in a skillet is convenient and gives you great control over the cooking process.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar cheese is classic and delicious here, but you can experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. The key is getting that melted cheesy goodness on top.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to grilling, the combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors makes this meal a guaranteed winner. Give it a try for your next burger night—you might just find your new go-to recipe!
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Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining juicy ground chicken with spicy buffalo seasoning, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix. Grilled to perfection and optionally topped with melted cheese and hot sauce, they make a delicious and quick meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons buffalo seasoning
Additional Toppings
- ¼ cup hot sauce (optional, for brushing)
- 3 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, dry bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, and buffalo seasoning. Mix thoroughly but gently to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Shape the chicken mixture into 3 or 4 even-sized patties, ensuring they are compact but not too dense to allow even cooking.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once ready, place the chicken patties on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Brush the grilled patties generously with hot sauce if desired. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and continue cooking for about 1 minute until the cheese melts slightly.
- Serve: Remove the burgers from the grill and place each patty on a hamburger bun. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your spicy buffalo chicken burgers.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the hot sauce when brushing the patties.
- To make the burgers juicier, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling.
- You can substitute ranch dressing mix with homemade ranch seasoning if desired.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor experience.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and buns.
