Name: Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 chicken breasts pounded thin (approx. 1 pound); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/4 cup Frank’s hot WINGS Sauce or Frank’s ORIGINAL Hot Sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Reserved marinade (after removing 1/4 cup for marinade); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice

Nothing beats the sizzle and tang of a dish that hits all the right notes—zesty, sweet, and just enough heat. This Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe has been a total game-changer for my weeknight dinners. It’s packed with flavor, fast to make, and feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows a piece of grilled meat sliced into layers on a wooden cutting board. The sliced meat has a dark brown grilled surface with shiny glaze and char marks, revealing light brown inside layers. Behind the sliced meat, there is a whole piece of the same grilled meat, also shiny and dark brown, resting on the board. A large black knife with a white handle lies next to the meat on the board. The cutting board has a textured wood grain surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe isn’t just another chicken dish—it’s a flavor bomb that’s easy to prepare and hyper-customizable. I keep coming back to it because it delivers that irresistible Buffalo kick without hours in the kitchen.

Simple Prep: You don’t need a ton of ingredients or complicated steps to get a mouthwatering dinner on the table.
Flavor-Packed Marinade: The marinade combines tangy, spicy, and sweet notes that soak right into the chicken, making every bite juicy and satisfying.
Versatile Cooking: Whether you want to skillet-cook or grill, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
Custom Heat Level: The glaze lets you control how spicy you want it—boost it up or dial it down without losing any flavor.

The image shows close-up grilled chicken slices arranged in a row. Each slice has a thick, juicy texture with a shiny, caramelized brown glaze covering the surface. The glaze has dark charred spots scattered on the top part, giving it a textured, slightly rough look. The chicken meat inside is light beige with a smooth, tender texture and visible juiciness. The slices are placed on a wooden surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference with this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe. Each component plays a role—from the bright lime juice that adds acidity to the smoky paprika giving a subtle warmth. Here’s why I choose these particular ingredients:

Flat lay of three raw chicken breasts pounded thin, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, scattered dried garlic powder, chili powder, salt crystals, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and whole black peppercorns arranged symmetrically around the bowls, two tablespoons of glossy olive oil in a small white bowl, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounding them thin ensures quick and even cooking, perfect for the skillet method.
Olive oil: Provides a nice sear and keeps the chicken moist without overpowering flavors.
Frank’s Hot Sauce (or Original): The heart of Buffalo flavor—pick original for milder heat or the wings sauce to bring the fire.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh, citrus lift that brightens the marinade and glaze.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Chili powder: Adds earthy heat that complements the sharpness of the hot sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors.
Cumin and smoked paprika: These warm spices make the flavor profile more complex and interesting.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spice blend.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe more times than I can count. What’s fun is how easy it is to tweak. You’re totally in control of the heat, texture, and add-ins.

Variation: I like mixing in a spoonful of my favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist that the whole family adores.
Spicy or mild: Adjust the amount of Frank’s hot sauce and glaze to hit your perfect spice level.
Greens and veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or diced bell peppers in the skillet towards the end to bulk it up and add color.
Serving style: You can slice the chicken and serve it over rice, in wraps, or even on salad for a lighter meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by whisking all the buffalo marinade ingredients together. Don’t skip this step because it’s where the magic begins—the chicken soaks up those bold flavors. I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but if you’ve got the time, overnight really amps up the depth.

Step 2: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Before cooking, let the chicken sit out for 15-30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly without drying out, which is a small step that makes a big difference.

Step 3: Sear Chicken in a Hot Skillet

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot. Add a bit of olive oil, then place your chicken breasts down—don’t move them right away. This allows a nice brown crust to form in 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—you want golden or slightly blackened edges for that extra flavor.

Step 4: Finish Cooking with the Lid On

Flip the chicken, cover the pan, and lower the heat to medium. Let it cook gently for 5-7 more minutes, depending on thickness. This steams the chicken through without drying it out. It’s key to check internal temperature if you have a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F when done.

Step 5: Rest, Slice & Glaze

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes—that lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays juicy. Then brush on the buffalo glaze. If you like it spicy-wild, go heavy with the glaze. For a milder touch, just a light coating will do. Trust me, this makes all the difference!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe multiple times, a few tricks help you nail it every time and avoid common pitfalls.

Marinate Enough: Skipping or rushing this step means missing out on that bold Buffalo flavor soaking into the chicken.
Patience When Searing: Don’t poke or flip the chicken until it’s had time to get that crust—you want those browned bits for flavor.
Use a Thermometer: I used to guess doneness, but a quick check with an instant-read thermometer makes all the difference for juicy, safe chicken.
Glaze at the End: Waiting to add glaze after resting keeps it bright and sticky, not cooked off in the skillet.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple but fresh—chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add just enough color and brightness. If you want extra creaminess, a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing works wonders with that spicy glaze.

Side Dishes

For sides, my go-tos are a crisp celery and carrot salad to mimic classic Buffalo wings vibes. Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple cauliflower rice work beautifully, keeping the dish balanced without competing with bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, I slice the chicken and serve it with soft tortillas, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices—everyone builds their own Buffalo chicken tacos. It’s messy, hands-on, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I usually slice and store it with some glaze on the side to keep things fresh and give me control over reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the marinated and cooked chicken successfully. Just wrap it tightly or use freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. This helps maintain juiciness and keeps the glaze from drying out or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great with this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe and are even juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is customizable; marinating the chicken gives a mild kick, but the glaze added at the end is where you control how fiery you want it. Using Frank’s Wings Sauce amps up the spice, while Frank’s Original is milder.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used—hot sauce, spices, and honey—are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the brand of hot sauce you use to be certain.

What sides go best with Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Classic veggie sticks like celery and carrots, roasted potatoes, simple green salads, or even creamy coleslaw pair perfectly. The cool, crisp sides balance the spicy, tangy chicken.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for when I want flavor without fuss. Whether it’s a quick solo lunch or a family dinner, it delivers every time. I hope cooking this brings you as much joy and tasty satisfaction as it’s brought me. Give it a try—you won't regret it!