Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, easy, and satisfying? Then look no further! This breaded buffalo chicken recipe is your answer. It's a quick and healthy meal perfect for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for a casual get-together. Get ready to experience a delightful explosion of crispy, spicy, and tangy flavors that will leave you wanting more! This recipe provides an easy guide to homemade cooking, making delicious dishes accessible to everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
- Optional: Celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko bread crumbs.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the bowl and toss gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the breaded buffalo chicken immediately. Enjoy it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and some crunchy vegetables like celery and carrot sticks for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Breaded Buffalo Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use high-quality buffalo sauce: The flavor of your buffalo sauce will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder variety. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Buffalo Chicken: Add a tablespoon or two of honey to the buffalo sauce mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Spicy Ranch Chicken: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite spicy ranch dressing.
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the panko bread crumbs for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or even game day snack. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade culinary creation! This healthy meal is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.