If you’ve been craving something bold, crispy, and undeniably delicious, these crispy buffalo chicken burgers with ranch slaw might just become your new go-to meal. After trying this recipe, I couldn’t get over the perfectly spicy chicken paired with the creamy and tangy ranch slaw.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or your next backyard barbecue, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Craving more bold and flavorful dishes? Check out this recipe for Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos for another mouthwatering meal idea!
Ingredients
These are the key ingredients to create those mouthwatering buffalo chicken burgers and their signature creamy slaw. Each ingredient plays a role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (8): Juicy and tender, thighs hold up well to the marinade and cooking process. Avoid frozen for best results.
- Buffalo hot sauce (100ml): Delivers that spicy kick and signature buffalo flavor.
- Sweet smoked paprika (2 tsp): Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
- Maple syrup (3 tbsp): Balances the heat of the buffalo sauce without overpowering it.
- White wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Enhances the tangy elements in the sauce.
- Garlic granules (1½ tsp): A subtle punch of garlicky goodness.
- Butter, melted and cooled (30g): Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and enhances richness.
- Monterey Jack cheese (4 slices, halved): Melts beautifully and adds a creamy touch.
- Brioche burger buns (4, split): Their slight sweetness complements the spicy chicken.
For the slaw:
- Pointed spring cabbage (1 head, finely sliced): Crisp, fresh, and perfect for slaw.
- Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds a slight sweetness and crunch.
- Celery sticks (2, finely chopped): Grounds the slaw with its earthy flavor.
- Mayonnaise (50g): The creamy base of the dressing.
- Soured cream (50g): Brings in a tart element to balance the richness.
- White wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle tang.
- Chives (¼ bunch, finely sliced): For a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.
Variations to Enhance Taste
Want to customize this dish? Here are some variations to try:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese and replace the mayo and sour cream in the slaw with a dairy-free alternative.
- Less spicy: Opt for a milder hot sauce or mix it with extra butter to tone down the heat.
- Gluten-free: Swap out the brioche buns for gluten-free bread.
- Flavor twists: Add a dash of honey mustard to the slaw for a sweet tang or sprinkle some crispy bacon on top for extra texture.
Cooking Time
This is a quick recipe that fits perfectly into busy schedules.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Essential Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowls: For marinating chicken and mixing slaw ingredients.
- Grill or barbecue: To achieve smoky, charred chicken perfection.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken while cooking.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing vegetables and buns.
- Basting brush: Handy for spreading the marinade on chicken as it cooks.
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw
This recipe is straightforward and rewarding. A brief marination and some grilling magic transform ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Prepare the chicken marinade
Start by placing the chicken thighs into a large bowl. Combine the buffalo hot sauce, smoked paprika, maple syrup, white wine vinegar, garlic granules, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Ensure everything is well mixed to create a rich marinade.
Pour this over the chicken, toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate overnight. This step lets the chicken absorb all those fiery, tangy flavors.
Make the ranch slaw
While the chicken marinates, prepare the slaw. Toss the finely sliced cabbage, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, soured cream, white wine vinegar, and chives into a medium bowl. Mix everything well until the veggies are lightly coated, and the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the chicken
When ready to cook, fire up your barbecue or heat your grill. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill and cook for about 8 minutes on each side. Use a basting brush to apply any leftover marinade as the chicken cooks, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Once cooked through, layer half a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each chicken piece, allowing it to melt slightly.
Assemble the burgers
Toast the brioche buns lightly for some added crunch. Place two cheesy chicken thighs on the bottom half of each bun. Top generously with the ranch slaw, then crown with the top bun. These juicy, stacked burgers are now ready to dig into!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, these tips can help amp up the flavor and simplicity of the recipe:
- Don’t skip the overnight marination; it makes the chicken juicier and more flavorful.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese. Pre-packaged slices won’t melt as well or taste as good.
- Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from getting soggy.
- If grilling isn’t an option, a hot skillet or grill pan will work just as well indoors.
- You can double the ranch slaw recipe if you love extra slaw on the side.
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw
Presentation matters, especially with burgers like these! Try wrapping each burger halfway in parchment paper or securing it with a decorative skewer to keep everything in place. Serve alongside seasoned potato wedges or a fresh corn salad for the perfect complement. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce on the top bun and a sprinkle of chopped chives add a professional touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you need to know about the nutritional content per serving of this dish:
- Calories: 744
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 41g
What is the proper way to store leftovers?
- Restoring: If making the slaw ahead of time, keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: While the slaw doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the marinated chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
- Reheating: Leftover cooked chicken can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350°F until hot and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes! Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Bold flavors: The mix of spicy buffalo sauce with creamy ranch slaw is irresistible.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal kitchen skills required, and it’s very straightforward.
- Family-friendly: Adjust the spice level to suit everyone at the table.
- Versatile: Works great for weeknight meals or special occasions.
- Customizable: Endless opportunities to make it your own.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving when grilling.
What’s the best substitute for Buffalo sauce?
You can try sriracha mixed with melted butter and a dash of vinegar.
How long can I keep leftover burgers?
Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
It’s highly recommended for maximum flavor, but even 2-3 hours is better than nothing.