If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavor yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce mixed with creamy Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning, baked to perfection with a melty layer of Colby Jack cheese on top. It’s comfort food that hits all the right notes—zesty, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without any fuss. Whether you need a quick dinner or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this recipe checks all the boxes and makes baking buffalo chicken easier and tastier than ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a mouthwatering Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding spice and creaminess to juicy texture and golden cheese goodness.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and easy shredding or slicing after baking.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and tenderness without extra fat, keeping the chicken moist and juicy.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings that classic tangy heat that’s the signature flavor of buffalo chicken.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds a herby, savory layer of flavor that balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth and savory aroma that complements the other bold ingredients.
- Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to add rich, creamy texture and a mild bite that makes each bite irresistible.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken breasts with Greek yogurt, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder right in a zip-top bag. Seal it tight, then give it a good shake to coat every inch of the chicken evenly. This marinade doesn’t just add flavor; the yogurt tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with spice. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those vibrant flavors soak in deeply.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
While your chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or 2-quart baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and to catch all those delicious juices. When ready, place the marinated chicken breasts carefully into the dish and sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt into a golden, gooey layer that perfectly complements the spicy chicken beneath it.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. Keep an eye on the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking—if it starts browning too fast, gently tent the dish with foil to keep it from burning while the chicken finishes cooking. Your kitchen will fill with amazing aromas that make waiting nearly impossible.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or chives on top after baking for a pop of color and a mild onion crunch. A dollop of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side not only complements the buffalo heat but also adds a creamy contrast that balances every bite.
Side Dishes
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots are perfect partners, bringing earthy sweetness that mellows the spicy chicken. For something heartier, fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully and round out the meal with comforting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe into sliders by shredding the chicken and piling it onto mini buns with lettuce and ranch drizzle. Or slice the baked breasts and serve over a crisp salad with avocado and tomatoes for a lighter, colorful option that’s still bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked buffalo chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. When properly packed, the chicken retains its flavor and texture well after thawing.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid drying out the chicken by warming it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Covering with foil helps keep moisture locked in. Microwave reheating is fine for convenience, but keep an eye on texture and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and higher protein content, which helps tenderize the chicken and keeps the marinade creamy without becoming watery. Regular yogurt might work but could result in a thinner marinade and less tender texture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The buffalo wing sauce provides a spicy kick, but it’s balanced by the creamy yogurt and ranch seasoning. You can adjust the heat by using milder buffalo sauce or reducing the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe without baking?
This particular recipe is designed for baking to develop the juicy texture and melt the cheese perfectly. However, you could adapt it for grilling or pan-cooking, though baking offers the easiest and most consistent results.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two dishes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thicker layers or more chicken may take a bit longer to bake through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a small family or just craving a delicious meal to savor solo, this recipe fits right in your routine without fuss or fancy prep. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how easy it is to bring bold buffalo flavor into your kitchen with every baked bite.
Print
Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on classic buffalo wings. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy mixture of Greek yogurt, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder, then baked to perfection and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day meal, it’s an easy dish that delivers spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness without frying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (not regular yogurt)
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken breasts, Greek yogurt, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning mix, and garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch or 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the cheese on top starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the chicken to finish cooking.
- Serve: Remove the baked buffalo chicken from the oven and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken helps keep it moist and infuses it with buffalo flavor without adding too many extra calories.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the marinade thick and tangy.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you prefer less spicy food, adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to taste or use a mild version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
