This buffalo ground chicken burger recipe was born out of a craving for something spicy, satisfying, and just a little messy. I had leftover ground chicken and a half-bottle of buffalo sauce sitting in the fridge, so I experimented. What came out of the pan was everything I wanted: bold flavor, a juicy center, and just the right amount of heat.
Perfect for weeknights when you’re tired of plain chicken or burgers, this one delivers that punch of flavor without the guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re team ranch or blue cheese, this recipe gives you room to play. And yes, it tastes like your favorite buffalo wings, just wrapped in a juicy burger patty.
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This Buffalo Burger Is a Flavor Bomb and Here’s Why
This isn’t just another spicy sandwich. What makes this buffalo ground chicken burger recipe stand out is how it brings together fiery buffalo flavor and juicy texture without needing a deep fryer. The key is combining ground chicken with the right mix of breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning to create a burger that holds together yet stays moist.
Plus, the flavor gets layered. Instead of just tossing cooked patties in sauce, I mix a touch of buffalo sauce right into the meat, then brush more over the top while cooking. The result? Every bite is packed with that classic tangy heat.
Diet-friendly tweaks and options:
- Use lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb version
- Make it dairy-free by swapping in vegan ranch
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit intolerances
What to Make in Advance for Dinner Ease
Want to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? These simple prep-ahead steps for your buffalo ground chicken burger make the whole process smoother:
- Mix your patties: Combine all the ingredients (except toppings) and form the patties. Keep them refrigerated on parchment-lined plates or in airtight containers. They’ll hold shape better this way.
- Prep your toppings: Slice lettuce, tomatoes, or onions and crumble blue cheese or prep the ranch. Store each component separately for freshness.
- Toast your buns in advance: Lightly butter and toast your burger buns to prevent them from getting soggy when the sauce hits.
Doing these small tasks earlier makes the final assembly quick and enjoyable, ideal for busy nights.
Recipe Card
Buffalo Ground Chicken Burger Recipe
4
servings10
minutes12
minutes380
kcalThis buffalo ground chicken burger is juicy, spicy, and quick to make. Packed with classic buffalo flavor and customizable toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
500 g 500 ground chicken
1 1 egg
1/4 cup 1/4 breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon 1 buffalo sauce (plus more for brushing)
1 1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon 1 olive oil (for cooking)
4 4 burger buns
Lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion (optional toppings)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, gently mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, brushing with extra buffalo sauce in the final minute.
- Toast burger buns.
- Assemble burgers: place lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, top with the patty, drizzle with dressing, and add top bun.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can freeze uncooked patties and cook directly from frozen, just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- For a crispier crust, dust each patty with a little flour before pan-searing.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 28g
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Pro Tips for a Burger That Hits Every Note
To make this buffalo ground chicken burger truly shine, I always follow a few essential tricks that take it from good to unforgettable:
Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid tough burgers. Use just enough handling to shape them into patties.
Add a pan sear: Searing your patties in a hot skillet (cast iron is best) builds a golden crust while locking in juices.
Brush with sauce as you cook: Instead of just drowning the patty after it’s cooked, brush buffalo sauce onto both sides in the final minute of cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Let them rest: Just 3 to 5 minutes of resting time after cooking helps the patties stay juicy when you bite in.
Balance the heat: Pair the burger with cool toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, or a ranch-yogurt sauce to cut through the heat.
These tips may seem small, but they’re what elevate this from a one-off meal to something you’ll come back to week after week.
Delicious Variations for Every Craving
1. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Burger recipe
Blend a little ranch seasoning directly into the ground chicken mix. It adds savory herbs and a creamy edge that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully. Top it with a drizzle of ranch dressing and crispy lettuce for that perfect bite.
2. Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Burger
If you love the traditional wings-and-blue-cheese combo, this one’s for you. Mix a few crumbles of blue cheese into the patty for melty richness, and add more on top when serving. A few pickled red onions round out the flavor.
3. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burger
Grill the patties instead of pan-searing them for a smoky depth that adds complexity. Brush buffalo sauce on during the last minute of grilling. Pair with charred corn or grilled romaine for a summer-worthy meal.
4. Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Buffalo Burger
Skip the bun and serve your buffalo ground chicken burger in sturdy romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Add sliced avocado and cucumber ribbons for crunch and freshness without the carbs.
5. Buffalo Slaw Chicken Burger
Top your burger with a crunchy slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a ranch or blue cheese dressing. It adds crispness and cools down the heat just enough for balance.
FAQs for Buffalo Ground Chicken Burger Recipe
Yes, the patties can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bring to room temp before cooking. You can also freeze them uncooked.
Look for one with a balance of tang and heat. Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can also try homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted butter.
Crispy baked sweet potato fries, celery sticks with ranch, or a tangy slaw make great sides. You can also serve them with a fresh green salad or air fryer potato wedges.
The Bold Burger You’ll Make Again and Again
Once you taste this buffalo ground chicken burger, there’s no going back. It’s juicy, spicy, and just messy enough to feel like a treat—without the heaviness of fried wings. Whether you go classic with ranch and lettuce or get adventurous with slaw and avocado, this burger is built for flavor and fun.
It’s also weeknight-friendly and endlessly customizable. So next time you’re looking for a quick dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise, give this spicy burger a try. It may just become your new favorite way to do buffalo night.
Hungry for more? Check out my healthy ground chicken burger or these grilled buffalo chicken wraps.
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