Buffalo Chicken Skillet: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Craving the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo chicken but don’t want the mess of deep-frying? This Buffalo Chicken Skillet is your answer! It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and all your favorite buffalo flavors come together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to satisfy your buffalo chicken craving with this simple and satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Skillet

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a win!
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The perfect balance of spice, tang, and creaminess.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your spice preference and dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Buffalo Chicken Skillet:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Adds a savory base to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Frank’s RedHot Sauce:** 1/2 cup (or more, to taste). The key ingredient for that classic buffalo flavor. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. Other buffalo wing sauces can be substituted.
* **Ranch Dressing:** 1/2 cup. Provides a creamy and tangy element to the sauce. Blue cheese dressing can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened. Contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the sauce. Neufchatel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese) can be used as a lighter alternative.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded. Adds a cheesy and melty topping. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses can also be used.
* **Green Onions:** 2-3, thinly sliced. Used as a garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Optional Toppings:** Crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, avocado slices, tortilla chips, or your favorite buffalo wing toppings.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. For seasoning the chicken and vegetables.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Buffalo Chicken Skillet:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
* Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is your chance to build flavor.

**2. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
* Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Leave any flavorful bits (fond) in the skillet, as this will add depth to the sauce.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**3. Make the Buffalo Sauce:**

* Reduce the heat to medium-low.
* Add the Frank’s RedHot Sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese to the skillet.
* Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

**4. Combine and Bake (Optional):**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the buffalo sauce.
* Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
* At this point, you have two options: you can either continue cooking the skillet on the stovetop until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking in the oven can help to create a more evenly melted cheese topping.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**

* Garnish with sliced green onions and your favorite toppings, such as crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, or avocado slices.
* Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, or your favorite sides.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot Sauce to control the spiciness of the dish. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Cheese Options:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Blue cheese crumbles are also a great addition for a stronger flavor.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Chicken Alternatives:** Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker and easier meal. Ground chicken or turkey can also be used as a substitute.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use reduced-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing to lighten up the dish. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or vegetable sticks instead of tortilla chips.
* **Add a Kick:** Include a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
* **Make it a Dip:** Serve this Buffalo Chicken Skillet as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
* **Add a layer of blue cheese:** Add the blue cheese crumbles before adding the cheddar cheese on top.
* **Make a Buffalo Chicken Pizza:** Use the buffalo chicken mixture as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Top with extra cheese and bake until golden brown.
* **Turn it into a Casserole:** Mix the buffalo chicken mixture with cooked pasta or rice and bake in a casserole dish until bubbly and heated through.

## Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Tortilla Chips:** The classic pairing for buffalo chicken. Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
* **Crackers:** Another great option for dipping. Choose your favorite crackers, such as Ritz, Triscuits, or Wheat Thins.
* **Celery Sticks:** A refreshing and crunchy contrast to the spicy and creamy dish.
* **Carrot Sticks:** Another healthy and crunchy option.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the skillet.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish for buffalo chicken.
* **Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with the buffalo chicken mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and cheesy side dish that pairs well with the spicy buffalo flavor.
* **Sandwiches or Wraps:** Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into sandwiches or wraps for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

## Equipment

* Large skillet (oven-safe if you plan to bake the skillet)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing spoon
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
* **Oven:** Reheat the skillet in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the skillet with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

## Recipe Card

**Buffalo Chicken Skillet**

A quick, easy, and incredibly delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce (or more, to taste)
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Optional toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, avocado slices, tortilla chips

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Make the Buffalo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the Frank’s RedHot Sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Bake (Optional): Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the buffalo sauce. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Either continue cooking the skillet on the stovetop until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, or your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Skillet!