Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese: The Ultimate Flavor Combo
Wing-inspired heat meets cool cheese sauce for an effortless meal twist.
If you crave the electrifying combo of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese, these Buffalo Chicken Burgers are about to earn a permanent spot on your grilling playlist. Inspired by the beloved flavors of classic buffalo wings—but flipped into a burger format for easy weeknight dinners or unforgettable backyard cookouts—this recipe brings the heat, cools it down with blue cheese, and delivers *major* burger satisfaction in every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
- Ground chicken is the perfect protein to absorb tangy buffalo sauce and remain juicy with the right technique.
- Simple pantry ingredients ensure big flavor with minimal fuss—no obscure items required.
- Blue cheese sauce delivers a cooling, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken patty.
- Flexible cooking methods: Grill or pan-sear to golden perfection, indoors or out.
Buffalo Chicken Burger Basics
Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or indoor cook, buffalo chicken burgers nail the tastes of classic bar food—nutty blue cheese, fiery hot sauce, and a juicy patty—but with a lighter, fresh twist that’s perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
What’s a Buffalo Chicken Burger?
Simply put, it’s a burger made from ground chicken boosted with seasonings, shaped into patties, and basted with buffalo hot sauce. The finishing touch is a generous layer of blue cheese sauce or crumbles on top, plus your choice of crunchy lettuce and toasty buns.
The Essential Elements:
- Ground chicken (preferably thigh for extra juiciness, but breast works too)
- Buffalo-style hot sauce (classic Frank’s RedHot is iconic, but you can swap in your favorite)
- Panko breadcrumbs for tenderness
- Chives or scallions for a bit of oniony brightness
- Blue cheese—crumbled right into the sauce for a creamy, cooling effect
- Soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
- Crisp lettuce and any other toppings you love (like sliced celery or tomato)
Ingredients
- For the Blue Cheese Sauce:
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (like Frank’s or Crystal)
- 1 rib celery, finely sliced (for crunch and classic flavor)
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 1/4 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Iceberg lettuce leaves or shredded
- Optional: sliced tomatoes, pickles, extra crumbled blue cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Blue Cheese Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, blue cheese, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Use a fork to mash the blue cheese into the mayo until mostly smooth but with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Stir in the finely sliced celery.
- Refrigerate until ready to use; this lets the flavors meld and keeps the sauce cool.
2. Shape and Season the Chicken Patties
- Add ground chicken to a large bowl. Sprinkle in panko breadcrumbs, hot pepper sauce, chives, and kosher salt.
- Gently mix with your hands or a spatula just until combined—over-mixing can make the burgers tough.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten gently into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to prevent doming as they cook.
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3. Grill or Pan-Sear to Perfection
- Preheat your grill to medium (or heat a skillet on the stove over medium heat). Lightly oil the grates or the skillet.
- Brush both sides of each chicken patty lightly with olive oil. This encourages browning and helps prevent sticking.
- Place patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: For extra flavor, brush the patties with additional buffalo sauce during the last minute of cooking.
4. Toast the Buns
- While the burgers finish cooking, lightly toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in a dry skillet until golden and just crisp at the edges.
5. Assemble the Burgers
- Spread a generous layer of blue cheese sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add a crisp layer of iceberg lettuce, then the hot buffalo chicken patty.
- Spoon more blue cheese sauce on top, add optional toppings like tomato or pickles if desired, and crown with the top bun.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Burgers
- Keep it Juicy: Don’t overwork the chicken mixture—handle just enough to bring it together.
- Prevent Dryness: The blue cheese sauce does double duty: it adds moisture and cools the heat. Consider a very light brush of oil on the cooked patty to keep it succulent if prepping in advance.
- Crust Matters: High, direct heat encourages a good sear for flavor and texture.
- Double the Sauce: Many cooks find themselves wishing for more blue cheese sauce—don’t skimp!
Add-Ons and Variations
- Swap blue cheese sauce for blue cheese slaw using coleslaw mix tossed with crumbled blue cheese and ranch dressing for crunch.
- Mix a tablespoon of melted butter into the buffalo sauce for even more classic buffalo flavor.
- Try adding sliced celery or carrot ribbons for additional crunch.
- Serve with sliced tomatoes, extra blue cheese crumbles, or pickled onions for deeper flavor layers.
- Feeling bold? Top with fried onion rings or swap buns for crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Spicy Are Buffalo Chicken Burgers?
These burgers pack a moderate punch, but you control the heat level: Use more or less hot sauce in the meat or sauce to suit your tastes. Milder brands like Crystal or Cholula keep things tamer, while Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco deliver a bit more fire. The creamy blue cheese sauce balances the spice beautifully.
Can I Use a Skillet Instead of a Grill?
Absolutely. A cast iron or heavy skillet gets you a deep, flavorful crust indoors. Oil the pan well, maintain medium-high heat, and flip only once for best results. Burgers should be fully cooked to 165°F in the center.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Burgers?
Make it a meal with some classic sides:
- Thin-cut French fries or baked sweet potato fries
- Celery and carrot sticks tossed in ranch dressing
- Crisp coleslaw
- Dill pickles or tangy pickled vegetables
- Potato chips or your favorite crunchy snacks
Buffalo Chicken Burger Cheat Sheet
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | Main protein | Ground turkey |
| Panko breadcrumbs | Lightness, binding | Regular breadcrumbs |
| Buffalo hot sauce | Signature heat & tang | Homemade hot sauce |
| Blue cheese | Creamy, cooling | Gorgonzola, ranch dressing |
| Chives | Fresh, oniony flavor | Scallions or parsley |
Pro Tips for Success
- Let the sauce rest: Make the blue cheese sauce ahead so the flavors meld and intensify.
- Don’t overcook: Chicken burgers are done at 165°F at the center. Overcooking will dry them out.
- Test for doneness: Use a digital thermometer for peace of mind and juicy burgers every time.
- Make extra sauce: It’s great for dipping fries or slathering on other sandwiches.
- Customize toppings: Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, or even a few slices of crispy bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the patties ahead?
A: Yes! Form the chicken patties and refrigerate (covered) up to a day in advance. Bring to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
Q: How do I keep the burgers from sticking to the grill?
A: Oil both the grill grates and the patties lightly before cooking. Make sure the grill is hot enough before adding burgers. Don’t move them too soon—wait until they form a crust and release easily!
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey works very well—just note the flavor will be a bit milder, so consider increasing the hot sauce or blue cheese for balance.
Q: What makes buffalo sauce “buffalo”?
A: Buffalo sauce mixes hot sauce (traditionally Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter for a tangy, spicy, and rich coating that’s iconic for wings—but it pairs equally well with burgers.
More Ways to Customize Your Buffalo Chicken Burger
- Top with onion rings for added crunch.
- Serve on a pretzel bun for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap blue cheese for ranch if you prefer a milder, creamier topping.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) for garnish.
- Make it low-carb—replace the bun with crisp lettuce leaves or portobello mushrooms.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Burgers can be shaped and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cooked patties keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently and add fresh sauce and toppings when serving.
- The blue cheese sauce can be made 2-3 days ahead—flavors deepen as it rests.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Buffalo Chicken Burgers
A bite into these wings-inspired burgers delivers a wallop of spicy, savory, tangy, and creamy in perfect balance. Blue cheese and buffalo sauce are time-tested partners—so the next time you’re in the mood for a grilling twist or a casual dinner with a punch, reach for this recipe and get ready for a true flavor riot.
Buffalo Chicken Burger Variations Table
| Variation | Main Swap | Flavor Result |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Buffalo Burger | Use ground turkey | Milder, slightly lighter |
| Buffalo Veggie Burger | Use chicken-style veggie patty | Vegetarian, zesty topping |
| Ranch Buffalo Burger | Swap blue cheese for ranch dressing | Creamier, herby |
| Lettuce Wraps | Replace bun with iceberg or romaine | Low carb, fresh crunch |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can these burgers be frozen?
A: Yes—freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined rack, then store in freezer bags up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Q: Any options for making it less spicy for kids?
A: Use less hot sauce in the meat and sauce, and offer extra blue cheese or ranch to mellow the spice. Kids also love adding extra pickles or tomato for extra coolness!
Q: What’s the best cheese besides blue cheese?
A: Try sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or creamy feta—each gives a different twist but still pairs well with buffalo flavors.
Let’s Get Cooking!
With simple ingredients, punchy flavor, and irresistible toppings, these buffalo chicken burgers are destined to be a star at your next meal. Fire up the grill (or the stove), invite friends over, and let the signature tangy-heat combo of buffalo and blue cheese steal the show—one juicy bite at a time.
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