Name: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pickle juice, for marinating; 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, for marinating; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup skim milk, or milk of choice; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp ranch seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne powder; 1/3 cup almond flour; 3 tbsp tapioca flour (or arrowroot powder or cornstarch); 4 cups shredded lettuce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp red vinegar; 2 tbsp lite mayo; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp skim milk, or milk of choice; 2 tbsp lite mayo; 1/2 small lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, diced; 2 tbsp ranch seasoning; 1/4 cup fresh dill, diced; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp celery salt; 1/4 cup diced cucumbers; 1/3 cup Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you have ever craved that perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and creamy in a sandwich, then this Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, marinated chicken breasts breaded to golden perfection, layered with a zesty grinder slaw, and generously drizzled with homemade ranch and buffalo sauces. This is comfort food elevated to an art form, combining bold flavors and textures that will have you savoring every bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a game day feast, making this sandwich at home means fresher ingredients and a wholesome twist on your favorite takeaway classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white bowls and a baking tray on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl contains bright red sauce with pieces of garlic floating inside. Below it, the middle bowl has a yellow mixture with small orange bits, appearing wet and creamy. The bottom left bowl holds dry flour with some seasoning sprinkled on top. To the right, a baking tray with a cooling rack holds a single piece of cooked chicken dusted with a light layer of flour or powder, showing a golden brown color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are surprisingly simple but absolutely essential to create the irresistible flavors and textures of this Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Each component has its role—from the tangy pickle juice that tenderizes the chicken to the crunchy grinder slaw that adds fresh bite and color.

Pickle juice: Adds a tangy marinade base that tenderizes the chicken brilliantly.
Frank’s Buffalo Sauce: Infuses that signature spicy kick both in the marinade and as a finishing drizzle.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and pounded thin for even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Eggs and milk: Form an essential dip that helps the breading adhere perfectly.
Garlic powder, ranch seasoning, paprika, black pepper, cayenne powder: These seasonings add complex warmth and depth to the crispy coating.
Almond flour and tapioca flour: Work together to create a golden, crunchy crust without the heaviness of traditional flour.
Shredded lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp slaw that balances the sandwich beautifully.
Dried oregano, red vinegar, lite mayo, red pepper flakes: Flavor the slaw with zesty, tangy notes that lift the whole sandwich.
Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, dried cucumbers: Combine in the homemade ranch to deliver creamy, herbaceous contrast.
Light butter: Adds richness when mixed with buffalo sauce as the perfect finishing touch.
Sandwich buns: Soft and toasted to cradle all these fantastic ingredients.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pounding them to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Cut each into two pieces for an ideal sandwich size. Next, whisk together pickle juice and buffalo sauce in a large bowl and submerge the chicken in this vibrant marinade. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let these flavors soak into every bite. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk together for the egg wash. In another, mix garlic powder, ranch seasoning, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, almond flour, and tapioca flour. This seasoning blend will become the crunchy, spicy crust that makes this sandwich amazing.

Step 3: Bread and Bake the Chicken

Set up an assembly line with your marinated chicken, egg wash, dry coating, and a greased wire rack over a baking sheet. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, coat thoroughly with the dry mix, and place on the rack. Bake for 8 minutes, flip, then bake another 8. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F—the leftover heat will finish cooking it perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings and Sauces

While the chicken is baking, whip up your homemade ranch by combining Greek yogurt, milk, lite mayo, lemon juice, fresh herbs, ranch seasoning, and dried cucumbers until creamy and herbaceous. Toss shredded lettuce with lite mayo, red vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and seasonings for a flavorful grinder slaw. Melt butter and combine with buffalo sauce for that iconic spicy finish.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

Switch your oven to broil and toast the sandwich buns open-faced until lightly golden. Layer the bottom bun with ranch dressing, followed by the fresh slaw. Dip each crispy chicken piece in the buffalo butter sauce and stack on top. Drizzle more ranch, cap with the top bun, and get ready to indulge. This sandwich is pure magic on a plate.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The image shows two white sandwich buns on a white marbled surface, each filled with golden fried chicken pieces that have a crispy texture. Inside the sandwich, there is a layer of light green shredded lettuce mixed with a creamy white sauce. The sandwiches are placed on a piece of printed paper inside a white dish. In the background, there are some green herbs adding a fresh touch, and a small white bowl with a creamy dip is visible on the right side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top can elevate the sandwich by adding freshness and a burst of color. You might also consider thinly sliced cucumbers or pickles for an extra layer of crunch and tang that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken.

Side Dishes

The best sides for a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe are those that complement its bold flavors without overpowering them—think celery sticks with ranch dip, classic coleslaw, or even crispy sweet potato fries. Each side brings texture and flavor contrast that rounds out the meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Buffalo Chicken Sandwich on a bed of fresh greens instead of a bun for a low-carb option. Or turn it into a towering slider trio for parties by cutting everything smaller. You could also serve the sandwich deconstructed on a platter, letting everyone build their own spicy masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken pieces and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep the breading crisp and the slaw fresh. Sandwiches assembled with sauce tend to get soggy if stored as is, so it’s best to combine only when ready to eat.

Freezing

The breaded chicken pieces freeze well when placed in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Avoid freezing the slaw or sauces, as these lose their texture and flavor when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 350°F on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Reheat the buns separately and add fresh slaw and sauce just before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! By using almond flour and tapioca or arrowroot flour instead of wheat flour in the breading, this recipe is naturally gluten-free without sacrificing that wonderful crunch.

What if I don’t have pickle juice for the marinade?

If you don’t have pickle juice on hand, a quick substitute is a mixture of white vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt and sugar to mimic that tangy, salty punch.

How spicy is this sandwich and can I adjust it?

This sandwich has a noticeable but balanced kick thanks to buffalo sauce and cayenne powder. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of cayenne and buffalo sauce, or serve with extra ranch dressing to mellow it out.

Is the homemade ranch dressing difficult to make?

Not at all! It comes together quickly with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, herbs, and ranch seasoning, adding a fresh, creamy brightness that store-bought ranch just can’t match.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and slightly more flavorful bite, though you might need to adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about making the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe from scratch at home—it’s not only tastier and healthier, but it fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Whether for a cozy dinner or entertaining friends, this sandwich hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!