Description
This Crispy Buffalo Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce and crunchy panko breading, baked to golden perfection. Topped with a zesty ranch and buffalo drizzle, this dish is perfect for spice lovers who enjoy a crispy, oven-baked alternative to fried chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup (43g) all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup (42g) Panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup (85g) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot seasoning blend
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauces
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup (60ml) buffalo sauce
- 6 tbsp (90ml) ranch dressing
- 6 tbsp (90ml) buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
- Mix Coatings: In one dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In a second dish, mix ranch dressing and buffalo sauce together. In a third dish, combine panko bread crumbs, shredded cheese, and Frank’s Red Hot seasoning blend.
- Coat Chicken: Dip both sides of each chicken breast first into the flour mixture, then into the buffalo/ranch sauce mixture, shaking off excess. Finally, press each breast into the panko mixture to coat fully on both sides. Arrange coated breasts on the prepared baking sheet. If any panko mixture remains, divide it evenly on top of each breast, gently pressing to adhere.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Prepare Drizzle Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix together the additional ranch dressing and buffalo sauce to make a drizzling sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and drizzle generously with the prepared sauce. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to match your preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Leftover drizzling sauce can be refrigerated and used for dipping.
- Substitute ranch dressing with a vegan alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly (note: original recipe is not vegan as written).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Baked Chicken, Panko Crusted Chicken, Spicy Chicken
