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    Home » Blog » Side Dishes

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Recipes

    Published: May 2, 2023 · Modified: Oct 28, 2024 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    These healthy Buffalo chicken recipes will have you itching to fire up your oven. While not all of these are outright healthy, all of them are at least healthier than most of the Buffalo chicken recipes you'll find. That's something!

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "Buffalo Chicken Recipes Healthy" is in the center of the collage.

    What is Buffalo chicken?

    Buffalo chicken is a hot and spicy chicken recipe that is usually made with chicken wings and a rich hot sauce. It's been around since the mid-1960s.

    This hot chicken dish was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The co-owner of the bar, Teressa Bellissimo cooked leftover wings in hot sauce as a late-night snack for her son and his friends.

    Her son and their friends loved it so much, that she decided to try it out on their menu, and the rest is zesty, spicy Buffalo chicken history.

    How can Buffalo chicken be healthy?

    First and foremost, the main thing to remember is that all things should be enjoyed in moderation. When overdone, no food is totally healthy. You could eat greens for every meal, and eventually, you'd start to run out of steam.

    Second, although this recipe list is for healthy buffalo chicken recipes, there's really no recipe for Buffalo chicken that will ever be called health food. That being said, Buffalo chicken does have some things going for it.

    All Buffalo chicken recipes are made with chicken, which is full of protein and amino acids. Of course, most Buffalo chicken is also served with cheese either in the dish or on the side, so you've got yourself some more protein and calcium.

    Buffalo chicken recipes may also include pasta, bread, or some other form of carb, so you have fuel for your body.

    If you're going to enjoy Buffalo chicken of any kind, do it in moderation. While it's not something you should eat all the time, it definitely can add great flavor, protein, and some vitamins.

    What Drinks go with Buffalo chicken?

    Any kind of Buffalo chicken recipe is delicious when paired with beers like pale ales or IPAs. In addition, wines like Riesling, Moscator, or Sautereau are also served with different kinds of Buffalo chicken variations.

    For those under 21 or those who simply don't drink alcohol, the zesty flavors of Buffalo chicken are also great with pop or sweet tea.

    What can you serve with Buffalo chicken recipes?

    The flavors of Buffalo chicken are excellent with a variety of side dishes. This classic flavor profile is delicious with things like:

    • Baked beans
    • Macaroni and cheese
    • Onion rings
    • Bread rolls
    • French fries
    • Sweet potato fries
    • Roasted vegetables
    • Potato chips
    • Tortilla chips
    • Celery
    • Bleu cheese

    For a complete list have a look at our favorites to serve with buffalo chicken. You just might be glad you did.

    What makes these Buffalo chicken recipes so great?

    These delicious recipes have two things going for them. They're easy, and they're delicious!

    All of these recipes use simple ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store, and they have equally simple steps. Really, anyone can make these recipes.

    In addition to being so easy to make, they're all absolutely exploding with Buffalo chicken flavor, making them perfect for snacking, meals, or as appetizers at parties or potlucks.

    How can you make Buffalo chicken recipes healthier?

    A little substitution can make many Buffalo chicken wings healthier. Some ideas include:

    • Using full-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
    • Using low-fat cheese.
    • Using whole-grain pasta to replace regular pasta.
    • Use whole-grain breads for Buffalo chicken recipes with bread.

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Recipes

    And here we are. Now it's time to take a look at some delicious Buffalo chicken recipes that are at least healthy-adjacent!

    Some of these are more or less healthy than their counterparts, but when enjoyed in moderation, they're all better for our bodies than some of the things we regularly put in there!

    Whether you love dips or casseroles, grilled cheese, or even stuffed potatoes, you're going to find a recipe here that you love. Heck, you'll probably find several!

    Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
    You'll want to add this cheesy and spicy Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese to your weekly dinner rotation! It’s an easy crock pot meal that both kids and adults alike will enjoy.
    Get the Recipe
    A wooden spoon holding up a big scoop of buffalo chicken mac and cheese over a crock pot.
    Easy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
    These buffalo drumsticks are super easy to make so they're perfect for busy weeknights. There's lots of options for cooking them including baked in the oven or slow cooker with the best homemade 3 ingredient buffalo wing sauce!
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks, on a white plate, paired with dipping vegetables.
    Incredible Buffalo Chicken Thighs
    Buffalo Chicken Thighs are perfectly spiced, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, perfect for Buffalo wing lovers who want more of a meal!
    Get the Recipe
    Two Buffalo Chicken Thighs on a white plate with salad and some carrots and celery sticks.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings - Crispy Oven Directions too!
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings with crispy oven directions are fast, easy, and always delicious. Just spicy enough for your taste buds and so flavorful!
    Get the Recipe
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wing being dipped.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
    Air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks have a mouth-watering crispy skin and juicy, tender meat in every bite. Easily adjust the heat level, they're always a hit.
    Get the Recipe
    Four air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks on a white plate with carrots and celery sticks.
    Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
    Looking for a delicious, healthy, and low-carb meal idea? Buffalo chicken zucchini boats include a flavorful buffalo chicken filling inside a tender zucchini.
    Get the Recipe
    Zucchini buffalo chicken boats on a plate with a fork turned upside down on the plate.
    Buffalo Chicken Spinach Dip
    Buffalo chicken spinach dip takes two amazing dips and blends them together to make tasty buffalo chicken dip that's sure to impress!
    Get the Recipe
    A bowl of buffalo chicken spinach dip on the table with a bowl of crackers and celery sticks.
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    These buffalo chicken meatballs are big on flavor, not on work. Make these tasty buffalo chicken meatballs in the slow cooker! It's easy!
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta
    Buffalo ranch chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the zesty flavor of the classic Buffalo ranch chicken recipe with tender, al dente pasta. If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this is the perfect choice.
    Get the Recipe
    A skillet of buffalo ranch chicken pasta on the table with a spoon in it.
    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of the best dips! Pieces of chicken in Buffalo wing sauce, with a creamy, cheesy base baked until golden and bubbly! It's easy to make in the oven, slow cooker, and instant pot.
    Get the Recipe
    A dish of buffalo chicken dip on the table with tortilla chips and topped with green onions.
    Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups
    This Buffalo chicken wonton cups recipe is basically Buffalo chicken dip and chips in one cup! It's they perfect party food for your event.
    Get the Recipe
    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
    Cook up a creamy bowl of buffalo chicken pasta using the Instant Pot in a matter of minutes. This easy recipe requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time to prepare making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
    Get the Recipe
    Plate of buffalo chicken pasta on a plate topped with cheese crumbles and green onion.
    Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
    An easy to make spicy, cheesy chicken dip that's sure to be a crowd pleaser. Juicy chunks of rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and lots of cheesy flavors, cooked up in a smoker adding a lightly smoked flavor.
    Get the Recipe
    Smoked buffalo chicken dip with a celery stick dipping into it.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful buffalo chicken and ranch flavors. These egg rolls are a great crowd pleaser.
    Get the Recipe
    Three air fryer buffalo egg rolls stacked together.
    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
    Buffalo chicken stuffed potatoes are loaded with flavor, not work. These Buffalo chicken twice baked potatoes make the perfect meal any time.
    Get the Recipe
    Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
    These buffalo chicken enchiladas are filled with flavorful filling and topped off with a creamy buffalo ranch sauce
    Get the Recipe
    Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
    Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are crispy on the outside and filled with spicy flavor and gooey cheese. A great lunch or dinner.
    Get the Recipe
    Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
    You're going to love the flavor of these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. A little bit of spice with a little bit of chew makes for the easiest appetizer dish, ever. 
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites
    Buffalo Chicken Bites are the perfect starter or snack for buffalo chicken lovers. The dough is golden and crispy while the filling remains moist and spicy!
    Get the Recipe
    Buffalo chicken bites on a plate with one split open and sauce being poured on top.
    Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wraps
    Buffalo ranch chicken wraps are full of everything we love about Buffalo wings. Each buffalo ranch chicken wrap includes tender chicken, Buffalo sauce, and more.
    Get the Recipe

    Try These Healthy Buffalo Chicken Recipes Today

    While it's true that some of these recipes could only be loosely called healthy, some of them are actually pretty good for you compared to some Buffalo chicken recipes you'll find out there.

    From heavier dishes like Buffalo chicken dip or casserole to lighter options like Buffalo ranch chicken wraps or Buffalo chicken wontons, there's a huge variety of flavors and textures to choose from on this list.

    If you love Buffalo chicken, then give these recipes a try. You'll be glad you did!

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "Buffalo Chicken Recipes Healthy" is in the center of the collage.
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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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