Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a spicy and crunchy chicken dish, this Buffalo Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With tender, breaded chicken pieces coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, this dish brings together the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these air-fried buffalo chicken pieces are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
– 1¼ cup panko bread crumbs
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic salt
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 cup buffalo sauce
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy this delightful Buffalo Chicken recipe that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal or game day snacking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Take the flour and spread it out on a plate or shallow dish. Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the flour, ensuring that all surfaces are covered.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture
In a bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, black pepper, garlic salt, and smoked paprika. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they are well blended. This mixture will help the bread crumbs adhere to the chicken.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully submerged. Allow any excess to drip off, then coat the chicken with the seasoned bread crumbs from the previous step, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In another bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and light brown sugar together until the sugar is dissolved. This will add a nice sweetness to the spicy sauce.
Step 6: Coat Chicken with Sauce
Dip each breaded chicken piece into the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Allow any excess sauce to drip off.
Step 7: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Place the coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking two pieces at a time. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 13 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even crispness.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a brief moment before serving. This will help retain moisture and enhance the flavors.
Notes
Tip for Even Cooking
For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches helps achieve a crispy texture.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or brown sugar based on your preferred spice and sweetness levels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the buffalo chicken with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic pairing.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Chicken Breasts
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, allowing for quicker cooking and a better breading ratio.
Coating with Flour
Evenly coat each chicken piece in flour to create a base layer that helps the egg mixture adhere better during the breading process.
Breading Process
In a separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with spices for a flavorful coating. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg and milk mixture before coating with the seasoned bread crumbs.
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
Combine buffalo sauce and light brown sugar for a sweet and spicy finish. Dip the breaded chicken pieces into this mixture for added flavor.
Air Frying
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and cook them at 375°F, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Resting Chicken
Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly before serving to ensure juiciness and enhance the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sauce instead of buffalo?
Yes, you can substitute buffalo sauce with any hot sauce or a different flavor sauce that you prefer.
Can I bake the chicken instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This buffalo chicken pairs well with celery sticks, carrots, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Conclusion
The air-fried buffalo chicken is a delicious and crispy option that combines spicy and sweet flavors for a satisfying meal. This quick and easy recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into an irresistible dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Transform the chicken into a hearty sandwich by adding your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing on a toasted bun.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Serve the crispy buffalo chicken over a bed of mixed greens and add ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and ranch dressing for a refreshing salad.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Shred the cooked buffalo chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or sour cream.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Wrap the buffalo chicken in tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and avocado for a quick and portable lunch option.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with buffalo chicken and cheese, then cook on a skillet until crispy and melty. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Mix diced buffalo chicken into creamy mac and cheese for a spicy twist on a classic comfort food dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top a pizza crust with buffalo chicken, cheese, and your choice of vegetables for a flavorful homemade pizza.
