The BEST Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Craving an Easy Meal That’s Bursting with Flavor?

Are you ready to sink your teeth into something truly delicious? Forget complicated recipes and endless hours in the kitchen. This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe is a game-changer – it’s incredibly easy to make, satisfyingly flavorful, and naturally impressive. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love It

The perfect blend of spicy and tangy Buffalo sauce creates an irresistible flavor that will keep you coming back for another bite.
The tender, juicy chicken is cooked to perfection, providing a delightful contrast to the crispy bun.
This recipe is naturally quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering.
It’s incredibly customizable! Adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite toppings.
Naturally crowd-pleasing! It’s a guaranteed hit at parties, game nights, or any time you want a satisfying meal.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe goes beyond simply tossing chicken in Buffalo sauce. We’re using a method that allows the chicken to naturally soak up all that delicious flavor. The chicken is first seasoned generously then coated in a delicious sauce creating a flavorful, tangy, and moist sandwich that’s a cut above the rest. The careful layering of flavors and textures makes this sandwich an experience, not just a meal. It’s a simple recipe, yes, but one designed for maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredient List

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Buffalo wing sauce (we love the Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup butter, melted (adds richness and balances the spice)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth of flavor)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 sandwich buns
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure each piece is completely coated with the butter and spice mix.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is baking, warm the Buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep it warm until the chicken is ready.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred it.
Toss the sliced or shredded chicken in the warm Buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Lightly toast the sandwich buns if desired.
Assemble your sandwiches by placing the Buffalo chicken onto the toasted buns.
Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately!

Optional Toppings/Variations

The beauty of this sandwich is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorites. Here are some ideas:

Creamy Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Drizzle a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken for a cooling contrast.
Crisp Lettuce and Tomato: Add some freshness and crunch with crisp lettuce leaves and juicy slices of tomato.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: A few slivers of red onion bring a bit of bite and zing to the sandwich.
Pickles: For some tangy goodness, throw on a couple pickle slices.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
Use a meat thermometer: To make sure the chicken is cooked through, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should register 165°F (74°C).
Warm the Buffalo sauce: Gently warming the sauce helps it adhere to the chicken better and enhances the flavor.
Toast your buns: Toasting the buns will prevent the sandwich from getting soggy and adds a pleasant crispness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper adds much more flavor then the pre-ground stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly and will provide a richer flavor due to the higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge, but wait to assemble the sandwiches until just before serving. This will keep the buns from getting soggy.
How can I control the spice level?
Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your liking. For a milder flavor, start with less sauce and add more until you reach your preferred level of heat. For a spicier sandwich, try adding a dash of hot sauce.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika can be used in place of smoked paprika, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor, but regular will still give you that beautiful red color.
Can I bake the buns with the chicken?
While you can bake the buns at the same time, it’s better to toast them separately to prevent them from getting too hard or burnt. Toasting them right before assembly ensures they stay perfectly crisp.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and make this sandwich your own with these fun variations:

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor and a slightly charred exterior.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Use slider buns and smaller portions of chicken to create bite-sized Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches perfect for appetizers or parties.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Use large tortillas to create wraps instead of sandwiches. Add some extra veggies for more nutritional value.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Melt: Add a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of the chicken and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garlic Parm Buffalo Chicken: Add some fresh minced garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese to the chicken after its been coated with the buffalo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is naturally amazing on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it an even more enjoyable meal.

Serve it with classic sides like french fries, potato chips, or coleslaw. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad or fresh vegetables with a side of ranch. It’s naturally a great dish to bring to a potluck, game night or any kind of gathering.

Make This Sandwich

This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to make. It’s naturally packed with flavor, customizable to your preference, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out and you will find it quickly becomes a go-to meal. Share your delicious creations and tag us in your photos, and of course, come back for more easy and delicious recipes.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!