Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 chicken breasts pounded thin (approx. 1 pound); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/4 cup Frank’s hot WINGS Sauce for more heat OR Frank’s ORIGINAL Hot Sauce for less heat; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Reserved marinade (from Buffalo Marinade); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice

There’s something about the tangy, fiery kick of a good buffalo sauce that just wakes up your taste buds—and with this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe, you get all those bold flavors right at home. It’s simple, quick, and totally addictive, making it a total winner for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

The image shows a piece of grilled meat sliced into layers on a wooden cutting board. The sliced meat has a dark brown grilled surface with shiny glaze and char marks, revealing light brown inside layers. Behind the sliced meat, there is a whole piece of the same grilled meat, also shiny and dark brown, resting on the board. A large black knife with a white handle lies next to the meat on the board. The cutting board has a textured wood grain surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of buffalo chicken recipes over the years, but this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe really stands out because it balances that signature heat with just the right touch of sweetness and smoky depth. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and one you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Flavor-packed marinade: This recipe uses a homemade buffalo marinade that seeps deep into the chicken for incredible taste.
Adjustable spice level: You control the heat by how much glaze you add—spice lovers can go bold, milder eaters can dial it back.
Quick & versatile: Whether you grill or cook on the stove, it only takes about 10 minutes to cook, perfect for busy nights.
Unbeatable served many ways: It’s perfect on a salad, in tacos, or as a main plate—you’ll find so many ways to enjoy it.

The image shows close-up grilled chicken slices arranged in a row. Each slice has a thick, juicy texture with a shiny, caramelized brown glaze covering the surface. The glaze has dark charred spots scattered on the top part, giving it a textured, slightly rough look. The chicken meat inside is light beige with a smooth, tender texture and visible juiciness. The slices are placed on a wooden surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on simple ingredients with a punch. The combination of Frank’s hot sauce varieties with lime, honey, and smoky spices gives the chicken layers of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor that complements the juicy chicken breast perfectly. When you shop, look for fresh chicken breasts and try to get Frank’s original or wings sauce for that iconic buffalo touch.

Flat lay of three raw chicken breasts pounded thin, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, scattered dried garlic powder, chili powder, salt crystals, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and whole black peppercorns arranged symmetrically around the bowls, two tablespoons of glossy olive oil in a small white bowl, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for even cooking and quick marinade absorption, it keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and ensures it sears nicely without drying out.
Frank’s hot sauce: The heart of any buffalo dish—choose original for moderate heat or wings sauce for extra kick.
Honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness and helps develop a beautiful glaze when cooked.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce for a refreshing zing.
Garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper: These spices layer in complex earthy, smoky, and savory notes that elevate the buffalo flavor beyond just heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe is—you can easily tweak the heat level and swap ingredients to fit your mood or diet. For example, sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup or adjust the lime juice for more tang. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variation: I’ve tried making this with skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts, which adds extra flavor, but it definitely changes the cooking time, so keep an eye on the thermometer.
Grilled vs stovetop: I prefer grilling in summer for that smoky char, but stovetop cooking is a fantastic option when you want a quick meal any time of year.
Heat customization: Brush on the glaze little by little to find your perfect spice level—kids in the house? Use less glaze and maybe add a cooling ranch dip on the side.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Prep

Whisk together the buffalo marinade ingredients, then set aside a portion for your glaze later. Toss your pounded thin chicken breasts with the marinade and olive oil in a shallow dish or freezer bag. I like to marinate for at least two hours, but overnight in the fridge really amps up the flavor. Just remember to let the chicken sit out for about 15-30 minutes before cooking so it’s not cold and cooks evenly.

Step 2: Cook with Confidence (Stovetop or Grill)

If you're cooking stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high until hot, then add the chicken—don’t move it around! Let it form a nice, slightly crispy crust for 3-5 minutes before flipping. Then cover and reduce heat to medium, cooking another 5-7 minutes until done. On the grill, preheat to medium (about 375-450°F) and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F internal temperature.

Step 3: Rest, Glaze & Serve

Always let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking—it lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat juicy. Then, brush on the buffalo glaze you prepared earlier. This glaze adds a shiny, sticky, spicy finish to each bite. Don’t rush this part—layering on the glaze liberally if you want more heat, or lightly if you prefer it moderate. I promise, it’s the best final touch!

Top Tip

From my experience, the biggest game-changer in this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe is the marinating time and resting period. These small steps always turn my chicken from “just cooked” to irresistibly tender and flavor-packed.

Allow proper marinating: Make sure to marinate at least two hours—this is when the flavors really sink in deeply.
Bring chicken to room temp: It helps chicken cook more evenly and prevents dry edges.
Don’t skip resting: Always rest cooked chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Glaze with intention: Add the buffalo glaze gradually until it hits your perfect heat and shine level.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish my buffalo chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. And of course, blue cheese crumbles or a drizzle of ranch dressing on the side is a must if you want that classic cold-spicy combo.

Side Dishes

I pair this chicken with crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks for that real buffalo vibe, or on a bed of crisp mixed greens to keep things light. Creamy mashed potatoes or even sweet potato fries work magic if you’re in a comfort-food mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try slicing the buffalo chicken thin and layering it inside a toasted sandwich bun with crisp lettuce, pickle slices, and avocado. Or serve sliced over nachos with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream for a delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken stays juicy for up to 3 days, though it's always best eaten as soon as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen buffalo chicken before, either cooked or marinated raw. Just wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use within 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat so the chicken stays moist, brushing on a little extra glaze to refresh the flavor. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to keep texture nice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! You can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking to ensure even marination and proper cooking.

How spicy is this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe?

The spice level depends on the type of Frank’s hot sauce you use and how much glaze you brush on. Using Frank’s Original Hot Sauce results in moderate heat, while Frank’s Wings Sauce amps up the spice. Start with less glaze if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on your hot sauce and any store-bought ingredients to be sure.

What are the best ways to serve this buffalo chicken?

You can enjoy this buffalo chicken sliced over salads, tucked into wraps, served on sandwiches, or alongside your favorite sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crispy fries. It’s super versatile and delicious any way you serve it.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just downright satisfying—full of flavor, wonderfully customizable, and simple to pull together. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for it again and again like I do. Once you’ve nailed that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and zest, it’s hard to go back to plain chicken.