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 for more heat OR Frank’s ORIGINAL Hot Sauce for less heat; 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 pepper; Reserved marinade (from the buffalo marinade); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice

Nothing hits the spot quite like tender, spicy chicken sizzling straight from the pan, and that’s exactly what you get with this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe. The tangy, smoky marinade plus a honey-lime glaze bring sunshine to your dinner plate and make every bite utterly crave-worthy.

The image shows a wooden board with a grilled chicken breast sliced into seven thick pieces arranged in a neat row, with a glossy, dark brown, and slightly charred surface showing a shiny glaze. Behind the sliced chicken, there is a whole grilled chicken breast with the same dark brown, glazed, and charred texture. A large knife with a white handle rests on the board near the chicken. The board has some juices and the background is a white marbled texture. 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

From the first time I made this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe, I knew it was a keeper. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth comes together in just one pan—making dinner both delicious and seriously easy.

Simple Ingredients: You don't need a laundry list of spices or sauces to create bold flavor.
Customizable Heat Level: The marinade and glaze let you dial up or down the spice depending on your mood.
Quick & Easy: It’s mostly hands-off after marinating, so you can focus on other dinner duties or just relax.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect on its own, over salads, in wraps, or even shredded into tacos.

The image shows close-up slices of cooked chicken with a shiny, caramelized brown and reddish glaze, showing a well-seasoned surface with small blackened spots from cooking. The chicken slices are layered next to each other, showing a soft, light beige inside with a juicy texture under the crispy exterior. The background is blurred wood, but imagine it on a white marbled surface for this description. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic happens with a blend of bold spices, a tangy hot sauce base, and a hint of sweetness to soften the heat. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing the buffalo flavor to life, while the olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking.

Flat lay of thin raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of clear lime juice, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl with mixed spices including paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper arranged in neat piles, all 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: Pounded thin for even cooking and quick browning—a little tip that saves time and keeps the texture just right.
Olive oil: Used to marinate and cook, it adds a subtle richness and helps lock in moisture.
Frank’s Hot Sauce: The iconic buffalo sauce base that brings that signature tangy heat; choose original or wings for your preferred spice level.
Honey: Balances the heat with gentle sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and a zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
Garlic powder: For aromatic depth and savory warmth.
Chili powder and smoked paprika: Pump up the smoky, spicy personality of the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and roundness to the spice blend.
Cumin: Delivers earthiness that balances the bright and spicy elements.

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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

One of the best things about the Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve played around with it to suit whatever I’m craving, and your kitchen experiments are especially welcome here.

Variation: I’ve swapped the chicken breasts for thighs when I want something juicier and a bit more forgiving on the stove—same spice blend, just a different texture that’s equally delicious.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is awesome if you need to avoid gluten.
Heat Levels: I always tell friends to start with less glaze if you’re unsure—you can always add more for that perfect kick.
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms while the chicken is resting to make it a one-pan meal.

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

Step 1: Marinate with Love

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients—hot sauce, honey, lime juice, and spices until smooth. Save a little to mix into your glaze later. Pour the rest over the flattened chicken breasts in a dish or zip-top bag, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat evenly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This soak lets the flavors seep in deeply, making every bite zing with buffalo goodness.

Step 2: Preheat & Sizzle

Before cooking, let the chicken chill out on the counter for 15-30 minutes. This simple step helps it cook evenly. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high until it’s really hot—this is key to getting that gorgeous caramelized crust without sticking.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Lay the chicken carefully in the skillet and don’t mess with it for 3 to 5 minutes. You want that deep browning before flipping. Turn the chicken over, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium. Let it cook gently for another 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temp hits 160°F or the juices run clear. Set it aside to rest—this helps the chicken stay juicy.

Step 4: Glaze & Serve

While the chicken rests, whisk together the reserved marinade with a bit of honey and lime juice to make a sticky glaze. Brush it on generously for more heat or lightly for a subtle kick. Serve right from the skillet or slice it up for sandwiches, wraps, or your favorite side dishes.

Top Tip

After trying this recipe a bunch of times, I learned a few tricks that make a big difference in texture and flavor. These tips will help you nail it your first go.

Don't Skip Resting: Letting the chicken come to room temp before cooking ensures even cooking and juicy results.
Pat Dry Before Cooking: Even though the chicken marinates, a quick pat dry with paper towels helps prevent steaming and encourages that perfect sear.
Use a Good Non-Stick Skillet: This helps you get that blackened crust without losing any marinade pieces stuck to the pan.
Adjust Glaze to Taste: The glaze is where you control the heat — don’t be shy about customizing it with more honey or hot sauce.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. Crumbled blue cheese or a dollop of ranch cooling dressing also pairs perfectly for that classic buffalo flair.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple but satisfying: creamy mashed potatoes, crisp celery sticks, or a crunchy slaw. For something lighter, toss together a green leafy salad with cucumber and avocado—it balances the spicy richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For game-day or casual get-togethers, I like to slice the chicken and serve it on toasted buns with pickles for buffalo chicken sliders. Another fun idea is filling warm tortillas for spicy buffalo chicken tacos topped with cool slaw and a drizzle of crema.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover buffalo chicken keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I usually slice it first so it’s easy to reheat or toss in salads later.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked buffalo chicken before with great results. Just wrap it tightly in foil or store in freezer bags, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the outside from drying out while warming through. Adding a splash of water or extra glaze while reheating helps keep it juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and still soak up the buffalo marinade beautifully. Just adjust cooking time since thighs can be a bit thicker or fattier.

How do I control the spice level in this recipe?

The heat is mostly determined by how much glaze you brush on after cooking. Start with a little, taste, and add more to reach your perfect spice level. Using Frank’s Original Hot Sauce instead of the Wings version also mellows the heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken ahead for up to 24 hours to deepen flavors. Cook it up to a day ahead and store in the fridge—just reheat gently before serving.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Crisp celery sticks and carrot chips are classic buffalo complements. Fresh salads, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers all go wonderfully alongside this spicy chicken dish.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals, especially on busy weeknights when I want something that feels like a treat without endless prep. The layers of flavor and the way it fills the kitchen with that irresistible buffalo aroma never get old. I hope you’ll try it soon and make it your own—I’d bet you’ll love it just as much as I do.