Buffalo chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that many people enjoy as a main course, appetizer, or snack. With only 191 calories per serving, it can be a great way to indulge in something yummy without completely wrecking your diet.

In addition to being tasty, buffalo chicken is also a good source of protein, making it a great option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It's also relatively low in fat, especially if you opt for baked instead of fried chicken.

Whether you're looking to serve up this spicy dish at your next party or just want to whip up a quick and easy dinner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy buffalo chicken. Read on for more information and tips!

The History Behind Buffalo Chicken

As buffalo chicken began to gain popularity in the Buffalo area, it eventually spread to other cities and regions, and it's now enjoyed all over the world. In fact, there are even variations of the dish that use different types of meat, such as shrimp or cauliflower. Whether you prefer your buffalo chicken mild or hot, saucy or dry-rubbed, there's no denying that this dish has a rich and fascinating history that's worth exploring. So why not try making your own version at home and see what all the fuss is about?

Different Ways to Cook Buffalo Chicken

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious option, try baking your chicken wings or tenders in the oven. Simply coat them in your favorite buffalo sauce and bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can deep-fry your chicken wings or tenders in hot oil until they're crispy and delicious. Just be sure to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil and avoid overheating it (which can lead to greasy and soggy chicken). No matter what method you choose, be sure to serve your buffalo chicken with plenty of celery sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and other garnishes to help balance out the spicy flavors.

Nutritious Facts About Buffalo Chicken

One serving of buffalo chicken (which typically includes 3-4 chicken wings or 1-2 chicken tenders) contains around 191 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 20 grams of protein. It also contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iron. Of course, if you're watching your weight or trying to eat healthier, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose lower-fat or lower-calorie preparations whenever possible. For example, you might opt for baked or grilled chicken instead of fried, or use a light or reduced-fat buffalo sauce instead of a full-fat one.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken From Scratch

To make buffalo chicken from scratch, you'll need to start by marinating your chicken in a mixture of hot sauce, vinegar, and any other spices or seasonings you like. After marinating, you can bake or grill your chicken until it's fully cooked, then toss it in your sauce of choice and serve it up with your favorite garnishes. One popular homemade buffalo sauce recipe is to mix 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's or Louisiana), 1/2 cup melted butter, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Simply whisk together the ingredients and brush them onto your chicken before cooking, then toss the cooked chicken in more sauce before serving. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect homemade buffalo chicken recipe for you!

Top 5 Places to Eat Buffalo Chicken in USA

1. Anchor Bar (Buffalo, NY): This is the birthplace of buffalo chicken, so it's only fitting that it's the best spot to try it out. Here, you'll find delicious and authentic wings coated in a zesty and tangy sauce. 2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken (Nashville, TN): While Nashville is more famous for its hot chicken, Hattie B's offers a tangy and flavorful buffalo sauce that's not to be missed. 3. The Anchor Fish & Chips (Minneapolis, MN): This Irish-style pub serves up some of the best buffalo shrimp around, along with plenty of other tasty seafood dishes.

Buffalo Chicken: A Perfect Party Appetizer

To make your buffalo chicken party-ready, consider serving it up with plenty of dipping sauces, like blue cheese, ranch, or honey mustard. You can also present it in creative ways, like mini slider sandwiches, skewers, or even baked potato skins. If you're looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, you might consider swapping out the chicken for cauliflower or shrimp, and using a sugar-free or keto-friendly buffalo sauce instead of a traditional one. No matter how you serve it, buffalo chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Vegetarian Version of Buffalo Chicken

One option is to use cauliflower florets as a substitute for chicken wings or tenders. Simply coat them in your favorite buffalo sauce and bake or fry them until they're crispy and tender. You can also try using tofu, tempeh, or seitan as a plant-based protein source, and marinating them in your favorite buffalo sauce for added flavor. If you're not sure where to find vegetarian-friendly buffalo sauce, you can try making your own by mixing hot sauce, melted butter or vegan margarine, and other seasonings together in a blender or food processor. There are also plenty of pre-made vegetarian buffalo sauces available at health food stores or online retailers. With these simple substitutions, you can still enjoy the bold and zesty flavors of buffalo chicken without sacrificing your dietary preferences.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken

- Celery sticks: These crunchy and refreshing veggies are the perfect foil to the hot and tangy flavors of buffalo sauce. - Coleslaw: A creamy and cooling coleslaw can help to balance out the heat of the buffalo chicken while adding some extra veggies to your meal. - Carrot sticks and hummus: A healthy and protein-packed snack that's perfect for dipping and scooping up extra buffalo sauce.

Health Benefits of Eating Buffalo Chicken

- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. - Capsaicin: The active ingredient in hot peppers (which is what gives buffalo sauce its heat) is capsaicin, which has been shown to help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. - Vitamin B6: Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, which plays a key role in regulating mood, cognition, and other bodily functions.

The Best Beverage to Pair with Buffalo Chicken

- Beer: A cold and refreshing beer can help to cool down your palate and provide a contrast to the spicy heat of buffalo chicken. Try opting for a light lager or a hoppy IPA for the best results. - Cider: If you're not a beer drinker, a crisp and refreshing hard cider can be a great option for cutting through the spiciness of buffalo sauce. - Margarita: For a more tropical and fruity option, try pairing your buffalo chicken with a margarita. The lime and tequila flavors can help to balance out the heat of the chicken.