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This buffalo chicken burger recipe transforms simple chicken into a juicy, tender delight infused with bold, tangy buffalo sauce. It is packed with flavor and texture from the Brioche bun to the ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella cheese, and fresh veggies. This burger has been a family favorite for over a decade and continues to be requested time and time again for its perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
I first made these burgers during a gathering with friends and they quickly became the star of the meal. Now, whenever buffalo chicken cravings hit, this recipe is my go to because it never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: the main protein, aim for a combination with some fat content for juiciness
- Buffalo sauce: adds signature tangy and spicy flavor choose mild medium or hot based on preference
- Egg: a binder to help keep patties together and moist
- Bread crumbs: soaked in milk or plain to add structure without dryness
- Mayonnaise: adds richness and helps bind ingredients
- Ranch dressing: for serving balances heat with creaminess
- Blue cheese crumbles: provide a sharp salty contrast to the buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully offering mild creaminess
- Brioche buns: soft slightly sweet buns that hold everything together well
- Fresh veggies like lettuce tomato and onion: add crunch and freshness
- Cooking oil: for sautéing or grilling to ensure no sticking and a crispy edge
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Start by gently cooking any onions or garlic if using over medium heat until translucent to build flavor but avoid browning.
- Combine the Burger Mixture:
- In a large bowl mix ground chicken with bread crumbs soaked in a little milk the egg mayonnaise and your choice of buffalo sauce Stir until everything is evenly incorporated but do not overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into evenly sized portions and shape each into a burger patty about the size of your brioche buns Make them slightly wider than buns as they will shrink during cooking.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a non stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat with some cooking oil Cook the burgers for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached Brush buffalo sauce on the patties during the last few minutes for extra flavor and moisture.
- Toast the Buns:
- Lightly toast the brioche buns in the same pan or under a broiler to warm and add a slight crunch.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread ranch dressing on the bottom bun add the cooked buffalo chicken patty topped with blue cheese crumbles and melted mozzarella Layer fresh lettuce tomato and onion if desired then cover with the top bun.
I absolutely love the blue cheese crumbles in this recipe, their sharpness cuts through the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a complex layer to each bite. One of my favorite family memories is making these burgers with my kids on a weekend cookout watching their faces light up with every bite of melty cheese and spicy chicken.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the burger juicy. The buns are best stored separately to maintain their softness. You can also freeze raw patties separated by parchment paper for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or lean pork can stand in for chicken if preferred. For dairy free or vegan options use plant based burger patties and substitute ranch dressing for a vegan friendly mayo or avocado spread. Blue cheese can be swapped for feta or omitted if you dislike strong cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve buffalo chicken burgers with classic sides like celery sticks carrot sticks or a crisp coleslaw to echo the flavors of buffalo wings. Sweet potato fries or crispy baked potato wedges also complement the spicy profile well. A cold beer or sparkling lemonade balances heat with refreshment.
These buffalo chicken burgers are bold juicy and easy to make at home. They work for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I keep buffalo chicken burgers juicy?
Mix the chicken with binders like eggs and breadcrumbs and cook the patties in buffalo sauce to retain moisture throughout cooking.
- → What cheeses work best with buffalo chicken burgers?
Blue cheese crumbles and mozzarella complement the spicy buffalo flavor, adding creamy and mild tastes that balance heat.
- → Can buffalo chicken burgers be grilled?
Yes, use a grill basket to hold the softer chicken patties and cook over two temperature zones to avoid burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- → How spicy should the buffalo sauce be?
Adjust the buffalo sauce heat to your liking, from mild and medium to hot for those who enjoy more intense spiciness.
- → What are some good binders for chicken burgers?
Eggs, breadcrumbs, milk-soaked bread, and mayonnaise help hold the chicken mixture together and prevent falling apart.