Buffalo Chicken Burgers

These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are everything you love about buffalo wings in burger form, juicy, flavorful chicken patties loaded with cheese, topped with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy buffalo ranch sauce that brings it all together. They’re hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for a weeknight, and perfect for anyone who loves that classic buffalo flavor.

Serve them with crispy potato wedges, fries, or a simple side salad for a meal the whole family will devour.

For the Buffalo Chicken Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack

• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce

Homemade Buffalo Sauce (if needed)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Texas Pete Hot Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Pinch black pepper

Instructions

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Measure 1/3 cup of the sauce for the burger mixture and reserve the rest for serving.

Creamy Buffalo Ranch Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 to 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce

• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

• 1 teaspoon pickle juice or lemon juice

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Optional Toppings

• Brioche or sesame seed buns

• Lettuce

• Tomato slices

• Pickles

• Crispy bacon

• Pepper jack cheese

• Extra buffalo sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and 1/3 cup buffalo sauce.

Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the burgers dense.

Step 2: Form the Burgers

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties. Ground chicken is sticky, so lightly oiling your hands can help.

Place the patties on a tray and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 3: Cook

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.

Cook the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

You can also grill them over medium heat or bake them at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble

Toast the buns lightly.

Spread the creamy buffalo ranch sauce on both sides of the bun. Add lettuce, the buffalo chicken burger, pepper jack cheese, bacon, tomato, pickles, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.

Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Chilling the patties before cooking helps prevent them from falling apart.

• Ground chicken is lean, so don’t skip the cheese and buffalo sauce in the mixture—they help keep the burgers moist.

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger mixture or the buffalo sauce.

• These burgers freeze well before cooking. Place parchment paper between patties and freeze for up to 3 months.