Buffalo Chicken

If you love the bold, spicy flavor of Buffalo Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This recipe turns crispy waffle fries and crunchy chicken tenders into a game-day dream—loaded with melted cheese, tangy hot sauce, and creamy ranch. It’s the perfect comfort food for parties, movie nights, or anytime that craving for spicy, cheesy goodness hits. Best of all, it’s easy to make and tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant version!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Made with simple frozen ingredients—ready in under 40 minutes!
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or any get-together.
• Bold & Flavorful: Hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese create the ultimate flavor combo.
• Customizable: Swap waffle fries for tots, add extra toppings, or use your favorite cheese.
• Restaurant-Style Comfort: All the spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness—without leaving home!

Ingredients Needed

For the Base:

• 1 (1½-lb) bag frozen waffle fries
• 2 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix (from a 1-oz packet), divided

For the Chicken:

• 1 (1½-lb) bag frozen fried chicken tenders
• ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Toppings:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 carrot, shredded (about ¼ cup)
• ½ large celery stalk, thinly sliced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
• Ranch dressing, for drizzling

💡 Tip: For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne to the hot sauce mix.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Adjust your oven racks to the upper and lower thirds. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a large bowl, toss the frozen waffle fries with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning until coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

Use the same bowl to toss the frozen chicken tenders with the remaining ranch seasoning. Spread them on a separate baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken and Fries

Place the fries on the top rack and the chicken on the bottom rack. Bake for 25–27 minutes, tossing each tray halfway through and switching racks for even cooking.
✅ Tip: The fries should be crispy and golden, and the chicken should be cooked through and crunchy.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken and fries bake, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. This creates that classic, tangy Buffalo flavor.

Step 4: Toss and Layer

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Cut the baked chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in the hot sauce mixture until fully coated.

Arrange the crispy fries on a baking sheet, top with the saucy chicken, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Return the tray to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Transfer everything to a serving platter. Add crumbled blue cheese, shredded carrots, and celery slices on top.
Finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve hot and dig in!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Serve straight from the pan for a casual party vibe.
• Add a side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Pair with cold drinks or a crisp salad for balance.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
• Avoid microwaving—it can make the fries soggy.

Helpful Notes

• Want it hotter? Mix a few drops of extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the sauce.
• Need a lighter version? Use baked chicken tenders and oven fries.
• Make it a meal: Serve over lettuce or rice for a Buffalo Chicken bowl!
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for extra meltiness.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, spicy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for parties. Whether you love it fiery or mild, it’s a dish everyone will be talking about!

Tried this recipe? ⭐ Leave a rating and comment below to let me know how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share it with your friends on Pinterest or Facebook—they’ll thank you later!
👉 What’s your favorite topping for Buffalo Chicken? Tell me in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried?

Absolutely! Grilled or baked chicken works great—just cut it into bite-sized pieces before tossing it in the hot sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free chicken tenders and fries, plus make sure your hot sauce and ranch seasoning are gluten-free.

How can I make it less spicy?

Use mild hot sauce or mix it with extra butter and a drizzle of honey for a gentler flavor.

Can I air-fry the chicken and fries instead of baking?

Definitely! Cook both in the air fryer at 400°F until crispy—about 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.