• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Delicious Recipes for Everyday Life • Ambitious Foodie
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Quick & Easy
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Quick & Easy
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Ambitious Foodie » Chicken & Poultry

    The Best Grilled Buffalo Chicken

    Published: Jan 13, 2023 · Modified: Jul 1, 2023 by Imsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 45 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe

    This Grilled Buffalo Chicken has all the flavor of your favorite chicken wings and is ideal for cooking outside or on a stovetop grill pan. You're going to adore this simple and adaptable chicken meal.

    Looking for another effortless dinner recipe? Try my Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, Instant Pot Chicken Tenders, or my Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese.

    three grilled buffalo chicken breasts on a grey dish with green onion on top

    Buffalo sauce is acidic, spicy, and incredibly addicting. It goes great with chicken, and you could find yourself desiring its zesty flavor. Buffalo Chicken Wings are a popular meal, but they are time-consuming to prepare and messy to consume.

    In this recipe, I used my own Homemade Buffalo Sauce. It is so easy to make, and requires only a few ingredients, definitely check it out!

    Buffalo sauce and chicken are like two peas in a pod! Serve with ranch dressing, mayo sauce, or blue cheese dip!

    what you'll need

    This is just an overview of the ingredients needed to make this grilled buffalo chicken. For detailed ingredients and instructions, check the recipe card down below!

    buffalo chicken ingredients on a white surface
    • chicken breast. Today we've chosen boneless, skinless chicken breast since it's so adaptable. You may use any type of chicken, including bone-in breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. Simply adjust the cooking time as necessary.
    • buffalo sauce. Instead of conventional hot sauce, look for sauces branded buffalo sauce. It's thicker and more flavorful than spicy sauce.
    • salt and pepper. Seasoning food improves its flavor, and salt and pepper are commonly used in savory recipes.
    • olive oil. 
    • garlic powder. One of the most important ingredients, it adds so much flavor and punch to the chicken.
    • mayo sauce. 

    How to make Grilled Buffalo Chicken

    Get the full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

    3 chicken breasts rubbed with spices on a grey dish alongside a brush
    1. Season both sides of the chicken with the dry ingredients.
    2. Combine 2 tablespoon of olive oil and the spicy sauce. Set aside a third of a cup and brush the remaining over the chicken breasts.
    3. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with the sauce as it cooks. (I used an electric grill, that grills on both sides at the same time, so it might take longer depending on your setup)
    4. When the chicken is done, brush it with the leftover buffalo sauce with a clean brush.
    5. Allow a few minutes for the meat to rest before serving.
    3 chicken breasts rubbed with buffalo sauce

    Note: To check for doneness, use a thermometer. Before eating, the chicken should be cooked to 165F/74C.

    what goes with grilled buffalo chicken?

    macro shot of chicken breast grilled with buffalo sauce and green onion on top

    My favorite method to serve buffalo chicken breast is to pile on as many toppings as possible. This is where you can really have some fun with this recipe! Choose your favorite toppings and create your own version! A casual sandwich assembly line is also a terrific way to keep dinnertime simple.

    If you're looking for some ideas, here are a few of our favorite grilled buffalo chicken toppings...

    • Sandwich vegetables - Crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes are fantastic in the summer! Prep our Everyday Slaw for added texture - the cilantro lime variety featured in the blog article is fantastic on a grilled buffalo chicken!
    • Ranch yogurt with herbs. This simple, creamy sauce is one I like to prepare whenever I create a buffalo-inspired food! It's like a glammed-up ranch dressing, complete with fresh dill and chives. For a complete how-to, see the Recipe Notes section below.
    • Other condiments that you enjoy, such as aioli or blue cheese dressing. For convenience, store-bought works excellently here!

    MAKE IN ADVANCE AND STORE

    To make ahead, season the chicken and set it in a dish or plastic bag, then top it with two-thirds of the buffalo sauce. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

    Store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Freeze - Follow the instructions below to freeze them; Allow the chicken to cool before shredding or slicing it.

    • Place in an airtight container or freezer bag to cool.
    • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Variations

    Finish it up with chopped green onions, blue cheese, and homemade mayo sauce. Sliced jalapenos with ranch or blue cheese dressing are also delicious.

    Make It Mild - For a milder amount of heat, use more butter and less buffalo sauce.

    Make It Spicier - Leave out the butter for a spicier sauce. When seasoning the chicken, add a dash of cayenne pepper for more spice.

    three grilled buffalo chicken breasts on a grey dish with green onion on top

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
    • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the chicken is fully done. When inserted, it should read 165°F.
    • Allow 5 minutes for the chicken to rest before serving. This permits the fluids to disperse themselves.

    More Easy Delicious Recipes:

    Carrot and Lentil Soup

    Lemon Garlic Pasta

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    Easy Turkish Baklava Recipe

    three grilled buffalo chicken breasts on a grey dish with green onion on top

    Grilled Buffalo Chicken

    Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion with this grilled buffalo chicken dish! The chicken is delightfully moist and flavorful, and it's ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
    5 from 47 votes
    Print Pin Email SaveSaved! Rate
    Course: dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 291kcal
    Author: Imsen
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 large chicken breasts
    • ½ cup buffalo sauce
    • 2 tbsps olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon ground chili

    Instructions

    • Start by heating the grill to high heat.
    • Combine the dry ingredients with salt, pepper, and olive oil and rub both sides of the chicken using a clean brush.
      3 chicken breasts rubbed with spices on a grey dish alongside a brush
    • Brush the chicken thoroughly with ½ cup buffalo sauce, covering both sides.
      3 chicken breasts rubbed with buffalo sauce
    • Put the chicken in the fridge for about 5 minutes to let it absorb the flavors.
    • Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook until done. Flip the chicken breasts after 6 minutes. Continue grilling for another 6 minutes.
      a close-up of three grilled chicken breasts on grey dish
    • After grilling, clean the brush and top the chicken with extra buffalo sauce. homemade mayo sauce, chopped green onion, and ranch or blue cheese dressing should accompany the chicken.

    Recipe Notes

    • Season the chicken with salt and pepper before brushing it with the sauce.
    • As you cook the meat and the sauce drops over the flames, keep an eye out for flare-ups.
    • To avoid salmonella infection, use a clean brush to apply the conserved sauce after the meat has finished cooking.
    • Remove any sauce that has come into contact with uncooked chicken.
    • Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165F/74C at all times.
    • The cooking time will vary according to the thickness of the chicken.
    • Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Grilled Buffalo Chicken
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    291
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    9
    g
    14
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    145
    mg
    48
    %
    Sodium
     
    1933
    mg
    84
    %
    Potassium
     
    836
    mg
    24
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    1
    g
    0
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    48
    g
    96
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    68
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    11
    mg
    1
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!

    • Greek yogurt marinated chicken on a platter with garnish.
      Greek Yogurt Chicken
    • chicken mozzarella pasta
      The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
    • oven baked chicken parmesan with mozzarella on top
      The Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan
    • close-up of chicken fajitas with a slice of lemon on the side
      The Best Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Flipboard

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. jhonny

      January 19, 2023 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      Those chicken breasts looks so juicy and tender! what type of grill did you use?

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 19, 2023 at 9:00 am

        Hi! i used an electric grill to do those strips!

        Reply
    2. Jas

      January 23, 2023 at 4:18 pm

      Yum I bet it would be great on a salad or sandwich, and definitely healthier than frying.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 23, 2023 at 5:04 pm

        5 stars
        yes it is so tender and juicy from the inside!

        Reply
    3. tianna

      January 24, 2023 at 1:18 am

      5 stars
      love that i can have a chicken breast that's just like chicken wings with out all the fuss

      Reply
    4. Amber Hollis

      January 24, 2023 at 1:22 am

      5 stars
      This is so good! Perfect for NACHOS, QUESADILLAS or salads!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 24, 2023 at 7:12 am

        5 stars
        Thanks for the comment Amber! yeah you can use it on top of a salad as you said with some ranch sauce 🙂

        Reply
    5. Olivia

      January 25, 2023 at 2:22 am

      this looks absolutely delicious. I am always looking for ways to mix up chicken, so i'm pinning this to my recipe board.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 25, 2023 at 6:06 am

        5 stars
        Hi, Olivia! thank your for your comment!

        Reply
    6. Tavo

      January 25, 2023 at 6:15 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe and super easy to make for a hassle-free dinner. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 25, 2023 at 7:09 am

        5 stars
        Thank you tavo for the comment!

        Reply
    7. Sara Welch

      January 25, 2023 at 6:44 am

      5 stars
      This was such a quick and easy recipe that does not disappoint! so flavorful and juicy; the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, indeed!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 25, 2023 at 7:08 am

        5 stars
        Oh my god! I can't believe myself! i was following your food blog years ago! and I can't believe you just commented on my own blog!!! i mean...I'm entirely speechless right now!!! Thank you for your comment, you won't believe how much it means to me to have you commenting on my food blog! thank you! and glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    8. Gina

      January 25, 2023 at 7:07 am

      5 stars
      since our winter has been pretty mild so far we have still been grilling. Made this the other night and it was delicious. Can't wait to make again!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 25, 2023 at 7:10 am

        5 stars
        glad you liked the recipe! and thank you for your comment 🙂

        Reply
    9. Megs

      January 25, 2023 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      Perfection! So tasty. I had mine with tabouli and it was awesome.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 25, 2023 at 7:53 am

        5 stars
        oh great! glad you liked it! def gonna try it next time with tabouli 😉

        Reply
    10. Jacque Hooper

      January 26, 2023 at 7:07 am

      5 stars
      This was such a quick and easy recipe that is not only packed with flavor, but perfect for a busy weeknight! My whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 26, 2023 at 9:14 am

        5 stars
        couldn't agree more! glad you loved it!

        Reply
    11. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      January 26, 2023 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      We had these hot and the leftovers were great in a sandwich. Will definitely make these again.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 26, 2023 at 9:15 am

        5 stars
        glad you liked the recipe! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sara

      January 26, 2023 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      Great flavour, my kids loved this chicken and so easy to make. Thank you

      Reply
    13. Kushigalu

      January 26, 2023 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      Drooling over this buffalo chicken recipe. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 26, 2023 at 10:40 am

        5 stars
        thanks 😀

        Reply
    14. Christina

      January 26, 2023 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      This is such a smart idea! I love boneless wings, but avoid them because of the carbs in the breading. I didn't know you could make buffalo chicken without breading!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 26, 2023 at 10:41 am

        5 stars
        i'm glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    15. Anjali

      January 27, 2023 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      Yum!! love this healthier version of buffalo chicken - it was super flavorful and satisfying!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 27, 2023 at 6:50 pm

        5 stars
        glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    16. Rhonda

      January 27, 2023 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and tangy, those extra 5 minutes in the fridge really make a difference.

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 28, 2023 at 4:18 am

        5 stars
        yeah for sure those extra 5 minutes are crucial! thanks for the comment 🙂

        Reply
    17. Beth

      January 27, 2023 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      this is such a great recipe! I have a grill pan, and this recipe came out great when I used that. I can't wait for the summer so I can make this on my charcoal grill!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 28, 2023 at 4:19 am

        5 stars
        on the charcoal grill is for sure the best option to make such recipes! glad you liked it!

        Reply
    18. Shelby

      January 27, 2023 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a simple and delicious chicken recipe. I can think of so many ways to use it from salads, to sandwiches, bowls, and more!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 28, 2023 at 4:20 am

        5 stars
        def u can use it on the of a salad! 🙂

        Reply
    19. TAYLER ROSS

      January 27, 2023 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      I made this buffalo chcken for dinner last night and it was incredible! My entire family loved it!

      Reply
      • Imsen

        January 28, 2023 at 4:20 am

        5 stars
        so happy you liked the recipe !

        Reply
    20. Ieva

      February 14, 2023 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      So easy, yet so delicious! We served it a big bowl of green salad for a light dinner, and loved it!

      Reply
    21. Eni

      February 14, 2023 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      Great idea! I am trying this tonight. Cant wait!

      Reply
    22. Seema Sriram

      February 14, 2023 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      The recipe looks delicious. i am sure the flavour is spot on.

      Reply
    23. Farah Abumaizar

      February 14, 2023 at 8:24 am

      5 stars
      I lovE THAT THIS IS A GRILLED VERSION OF WHAT'S USUALLY ENJOYED DEEP FRIED, SO MUCH LIGHTER AND MORE GUILT FREE. THEY LOOK FLAVOR PACKED! CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THEM OU T!

      Reply
    24. Vidya Narayan

      February 14, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      perfect for grilling season and I can think of so many different ways to serve this dish.

      Reply
    25. Julia

      February 14, 2023 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      i added more sauce and cayenne, even more delicious !

      Reply
    26. Savita

      February 14, 2023 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      THIS TURNED OUT REALLY GOOD, LOVED HOW FLAVOURFUL IT WAS AND EASY TOO.

      Reply
    27. Tavo

      February 14, 2023 at 4:18 pm

      5 stars
      the seasoning for these chicken was just perfect . I love that it only took 25 mins to make!

      Reply
    28. Jess

      February 22, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite flavor combo! Yummmm!

      Reply

    Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, This is Imsen! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

    More about me →

    Air Fryer recipes

    • close-up overlay shot of air fried potato wedges with cheese on top and ketchup sauce on the side
      Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
    • overhead shot of a camembert wheel baked, and drizzled with olive oil on top and a slice of bread
      Air Fryer Baked Camembert
    • How to Cook Frozen Sausage in Air Fryer
    • overlay shot of air fryer roasted cauliflower on a grey dish
      Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower

    Featured In:

    top recipes

    • chicken mozzarella pasta
      The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
    • oven baked chicken parmesan with mozzarella on top
      The Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan
    • creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta with sun-dried tomatoes
      The Best Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
    • The Best Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Ambitious Foodie