Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Burgers are the ultimate mashup of classic buffalo wing flavors and the beloved burger format. This recipe takes the zesty heat of buffalo sauce, combines it with tender ground chicken, and layers on fresh toppings for a crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a casual dinner, or simply treating yourself, these burgers will impress with their tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chicken Patties

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, buffalo sauce, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form Patties:
   Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking.
3. Chill the Patties:
   Place the formed patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small saucepan, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter over low heat. Heat until warmed through. Set aside for glazing the patties.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

1. Choose Your Cooking Method:
   • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
   • Stovetop: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil.
2. Cook the Patties:
   Place the chilled patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush the patties generously with the buffalo sauce glaze during the last minute of cooking.
3. Melt Cheese (Optional):
   If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the final minute of cooking. Cover with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt.

Step 4: Make the Blue Cheese Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, combine crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Chill:
   Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Prepare Buns:
   Lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns.
2. Toast:
   Place them on the grill or skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Layer the Toppings:
   Start with the bottom bun. Add a lettuce leaf, followed by a cooked chicken patty.
2. Drizzle Sauce:
   Generously spoon the blue cheese sauce over the patty.
3. Add Additional Toppings:
   Layer on tomato slices, red onion rings, and dill pickles if desired.
4. Finish with the Top Bun:
   Place the toasted top bun on and press lightly to hold everything together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Buffalo Chicken Burgers with:

• Side Dishes:
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Crispy onion rings
  • A fresh green salad
• Dipping Sauces:
  • Extra buffalo sauce
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Drinks:
  • Ice-cold lemonade
  • A creamy milkshake
  • Your favorite beer

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat:
   Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
2. Handle Patties Gently:
   Ground chicken is softer than beef, so handle the patties carefully to avoid breaking.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer:
   Ensure the patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
4. Adjust the Heat:
   If you prefer milder burgers, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a mild version.
5. Customize the Toppings:
   Add avocado slices, crispy bacon, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Buffalo Burgers:
   Add diced jalapeños to the patty mixture for an extra kick.
2. Keto-Friendly Option:
   Skip the buns and serve the patties over a bed of lettuce.
3. Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
   Make smaller patties and serve on slider buns for appetizers.
4. Dairy-Free Version:
   Use vegan cheese and dairy-free mayo for the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Customizable: Adaptable to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
• Flavor-Packed: A bold combination of heat, tanginess, and creaminess.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to impress friends, family, or party guests.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic, offering the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce in a satisfying, handheld package. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or cooking them on the stovetop, they’re a guaranteed hit. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with satisfying textures!

Yield: 4

Buffalo Chicken Burgers Recipe

Print

Buffalo Chicken Burgers are the ultimate mashup of classic buffalo wing flavors and the beloved burger format. This recipe takes the zesty heat of buffalo sauce, combines it with tender ground chicken, and layers on fresh toppings for a crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a casual dinner, or simply treating yourself, these burgers will impress with their tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Burgers:
• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (plus more for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• For Cooking:
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying) or nonstick spray (for grilling)
• For Serving:
• 4 burger buns (toasted if desired)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Extra buffalo sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and blue cheese crumbles (if using). Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
   
2. Form the Patties:
   Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, about ½ inch thick.
   
3. Cook the Burgers:
   Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.
   
4. Assemble the Burgers:
   Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, a cooked patty, and sliced tomato. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the patty, then add the top bun.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, like sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad.

Notes

Adjust Spice Level: Use mild or hot buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

Cheese Option: For a melty topping, add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack to the patties during the last minute of cooking.

Meal Prep: Form patties in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.