These Baked Buffalo Chicken Breasts are juicy, spicy, and oh-so-tasty! Just imagine tender chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, bringing a kick to your dinner plate.
I love that they are super easy to make and a hit at get-togethers! Serve them with some cooling ranch dip on the side, and watch everyone go back for more! 🐔🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best here for easy cooking and slicing. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor, but they may need a bit more cooking time.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice. If you want a milder flavor, mix it with ranch dressing. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter for creaminess.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese brings creaminess to the dish. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but it won’t be as rich. Just make sure to use a bit less salt if you do!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives the dish a nice cheesy finish. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack also works well for a twist. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cheese shreds!
Green Onions: They add a pop of color and a slight crunch. If you don’t have green onions, chopped chives or parsley can be a great substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature can be tricky, but there are some helpful tips. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is great for baking chicken evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps keep it juicy. A few minutes of resting makes a big difference.
- Cutting slits helps the chicken cook evenly and lets the sauce flavor penetrate.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 2 stalks celery, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your chicken!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy mix will add a delicious flavor to your chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a greased baking dish. Using a sharp knife, carefully make slits on the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to cut deep enough to create pockets for the filling, but don’t cut all the way through!
4. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Now, spoon the buffalo cream cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast. Be sure to fill those slits with the tasty mixture so every bite is flavorful!
5. Top with Cheddar Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. This will melt beautifully while baking and add a wonderful cheesy goodness!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly for just a few minutes. Before serving, garnish your delicious baked buffalo chicken breasts with the sliced green onions for some added freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your baked buffalo chicken breasts hot, with fresh celery sticks on the side. These will provide a nice crunch and a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking, you can use boneless thighs or even chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time slightly — thighs might take a few minutes longer, while tenders will cook faster.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
If you want to amp up the heat, add more buffalo sauce or include some cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. For a milder version, you can mix in some ranch dressing or use a milder hot sauce instead of traditional buffalo sauce. You can always taste and adjust as you go!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Just keep in mind that this might alter the flavor a bit, so consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness if you like.
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked buffalo chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Enjoy your leftovers with a fresh side salad for a quick meal!
