Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe
If you love the bold, tangy flavors of classic buffalo chicken wings but want something a bit more substantial and easy to eat, these Buffalo Chicken Burgers are going to blow you away. Juicy, tender ground chicken patties infused with buffalo wing sauce, parmesan, and Italian seasoning come together perfectly with melty sharp cheddar cheese and the refreshing crunch of lettuce on a hearty whole wheat bun. Whether it’s game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or a cookout with friends, this recipe transforms the spirit of buffalo wings into a crowd-pleasing burger that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one contributing a unique element to the texture, flavor, and overall balance of your Buffalo Chicken Burgers. The blend of seasonings and cheeses ensures depth and richness, while the buffalo wing sauce delivers that signature spicy kick.
- 1 lb ground chicken breast: This lean protein creates tender, juicy patties without overpowering flavor.
- 3 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the mixture for perfect patties.
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese: Brings a subtle nutty, salty flavor that enhances the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce: The star ingredient that gives the burgers their iconic buffalo heat and zest.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that adds aromatic complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and boosting flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Provides mild heat and balances the dish.
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties, giving a creamy, tangy finish.
- Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo wing sauce: Perfect for topping and dipping, these dressings add cool, creamy contrast to the spicy burger.
- 4 to 6 whole wheat buns: Nutty and hearty, they hold up well and add fiber to this indulgent meal.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken, seasoned bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, buffalo wing sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough, so handle with care. Then divide the mixture evenly and shape it into patties that will fit your buns nicely.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Preheat your grill or a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until they’re browned on both sides and cooked through. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty so it melts perfectly, adding that gooey cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble Your Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Place each cooked patty on a whole wheat bun and finish them off by drizzling with extra buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top with fresh lettuce for crunch and a refreshing bite that balances the spicy, savory flavors of the burger.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your Buffalo Chicken Burgers is with simple garnishes that add freshness and texture. Crisp lettuce leaves provide a cool contrast, while thinly sliced celery or carrot sticks offer a classic buffalo wing pairing. Don’t forget to offer extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for heavy dippers who want even more creaminess.
Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken flavors call for complementary sides that are just as lively. Think crunchy celery sticks and carrot batons, crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries, or even a light, tangy coleslaw to cool down the palate. These options keep the meal balanced and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Buffalo Chicken Burgers party-ready? Serve mini sliders on cocktail buns with toothpicks topped with tiny celery leaves. Or, build a burger bar where guests add their favorite toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or extra cheese. Another fun idea is to serve the patties open-faced with a dollop of blue cheese dip and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked patties separately from the buns in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain texture and prevents the bread from getting soggy. They’ll stay great for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once firm. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze as you can simply thaw and cook fresh patties when needed. Frozen patties are best used within 1 month for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to avoid drying them out. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for even cooking. Add fresh cheese or dressings after warming for that restaurant-quality finish.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Burgers with ground turkey?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative to chicken and will absorb the buffalo wing sauce flavors nicely. Just watch the cooking time, as turkey can dry out faster.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Burgers?
The level of heat depends on your buffalo wing sauce. Mild sauces will produce a gentler spice, while hotter wing sauces will add more kick. You can always adjust by adding more or less sauce in the mixture and on top.
Can I bake the Buffalo Chicken Burgers instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the patties on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add cheese near the end to melt perfectly.
What kind of buns work best?
Whole wheat buns complement this recipe beautifully with their nutty flavor and sturdiness, but you can use brioche, potato rolls, or any sturdy bun you love to soak up the buffalo sauce without falling apart.
Can I add toppings like bacon or avocado?
Yes! Crispy bacon adds extra smoky flavor while creamy avocado cools the heat. Feel free to customize your burgers to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy the fiery, tangy flavor of buffalo wings in a fun and satisfying sandwich form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try, and get ready to impress everyone with your flavorful, juicy, and perfectly balanced buffalo creation!
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Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 burgers 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining juicy ground chicken with spicy buffalo wing sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Topped with ranch and blue cheese dressings, they make the perfect game day or weeknight meal, served on whole wheat buns for added wholesomeness.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
For Toppings and Serving
- 4 to 6 whole wheat buns
- Ranch dressing (for topping)
- Blue cheese dressing (for topping)
- Buffalo wing sauce (for topping)
- Lettuce leaves
- Carrots (for serving)
- Celery (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Prepare your grill or heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking the patties evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, seasoned bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, buffalo wing sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough patties.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 4 to 6 depending on preferred size, ensuring they hold together well.
- Cook Patties: Grill or pan-fry the patties for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. During the last 2 minutes, place the sharp cheddar cheese slices on top of each patty and cover to melt the cheese.
- Assemble Burgers: Once cooked through, place each patty onto a whole wheat bun, drizzle with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and extra buffalo wing sauce as desired.
- Add Lettuce and Serve: Top the burgers with fresh lettuce leaves. Serve immediately alongside carrot and celery sticks with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use ground chicken breast for a leaner burger with tender texture.
- Seasoned bread crumbs help bind the patties and add subtle flavor.
- Adjust buffalo wing sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the patty mix.
- Ensure chicken patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Whole wheat buns add fiber and a nutty flavor, but regular buns can be substituted if preferred.
- Serve with extra veggies like celery and carrots to complement the spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and toppings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken burgers, spicy chicken burgers, grilled chicken burgers, buffalo wing sauce, easy chicken burgers
