Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers are an absolute delight for anyone who loves bold flavors and a little kick! These juicy burgers, infused with the iconic buffalo sauce, are perfect for summer cookouts or casual weeknight dinners. You’ll savor every bite of tender ground chicken, paired harmoniously with tangy ranch dressing and fresh toppings. If you’ve been searching for that ideal balance between spicy and savory in a burger, look no further than this recipe — it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

I first stumbled upon this mouthwatering burger while trying to perfect my grilling skills with friends. The combination of buffalo sauce and grilled chicken has always had a special place in my heart — it brings me back to backyard barbecues and summer nights. Each bite serves up a combination of zest and flavor that takes your taste buds on a delicious journey. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or simply craving something fun for dinner, these grilled buffalo chicken burgers are your go-to!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip up these burgers in no time, with just 15 minutes of prep and a 30-minute cook time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The mix of butter and Frank’s RedHot sauce creates a spicy, rich taste that’s nothing short of addicting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Each burger is topped with vibrant veggies, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy get-together with friends; they’re perfect for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free diets; simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter – This provides rich flavor and helps to blend the sauces effectively; try to use unsalted to control the salt levels.
- 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot Original sauce – A classic choice for buffalo flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount for a milder or spicier kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – Adds a refreshing tang that complements the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- 1 lb ground chicken – The base of your burgers. For a bit more flavor, consider using ground turkey as an alternative.
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs – Helps to bind the burgers together. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce from above – Intensifies the buffalo flavor within the burger itself.
- 2 tablespoons celery finely diced – Adds a nice crunch and a hint of freshness.
- 1 tablespoon green onion finely chopped – Brings a bit of color and a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth to the chicken mixture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a savory aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a gentle kick and to complement the other spices.
- Oil for the grates – Prevents sticking on the grill for easier flipping and cleanup.
- 4 brioche burger buns – Soft and slightly sweet, they hold the ingredients well. You can substitute with whole grain or gluten-free buns, if preferred.
- 4 tablespoons ranch dressing – The cooling component that perfectly balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Lettuce, tomato slices – Fresh toppings that add even more flavor and color.
- Red onion slices – A sharp bite that contrasts well with the rich ranch and buffalo flavors.
- Pickles optional – For those who enjoy a little tang.
How to Make Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/3 cup unsalted butter. Stir in the 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons finely diced celery, 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined — be careful not to overmix as this can make the burgers tough.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about ¾ inch thick. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the Grill: While the patties chill, preheat your grill to 400–450°F. Just before grilling, oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Patties: Once the grill is hot, place the patties on the grates. Grill them for 5–6 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush with Sauce: As soon as the patties are done, brush the remaining buffalo sauce over hot patties and allow the sauce to set for a minute.
- Toast the Buns: While still on the grill, toast the brioche buns, cut-side down for about 30–60 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Assemble and Serve: Spread 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer the lettuce, grilled patty, slice of tomato, and red onion on top. For an extra touch, add pickles if desired. Finally, place the top half of the bun and serve immediately, perhaps with a little more ranch on the side for dipping!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled buffalo chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through. Keep in mind that the patties may lose a bit of their juiciness upon reheating, but a splash of ranch can help revive their flavor!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure not to overmix the chicken mixture. This helps ensure that your burgers remain tender.
- If possible, use ground chicken that’s at least 10% fat for better moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the patties in buffalo sauce for an hour before grilling.
- If you prefer a mild burger, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce in the mix and only use it to brush on top.
- Allow your burgers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps to retain their juices better when biting in.
- If making ahead, form the patties and freeze them raw. Just add a couple of extra minutes to grilling time from frozen.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers pack so much mouthwatering flavor that you won’t believe how easy they were to make! Each bite is a deliciously creamy and spicy blend that will keep you coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch — whether it’s more veggies, different sauces, or an entirely new flavor profile. Enjoy this endless summer classic and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
What toppings go well with buffalo chicken burgers?
How can I make these burgers spicier?
Can I grill these burgers on a stovetop?
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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers
These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burgers are packed with flavor and made with ground chicken, hot sauce, and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner!
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 30 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot Original sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce from above
- 2 tablespoons celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon green onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for the grates
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 tablespoons ranch dressing
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in Frank’s RedHot and lemon juice until well combined, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, diced celery, chopped green onion, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Preheat the grill, oil the grates, and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Assemble the burgers with the brioche buns, ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and pickles if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken if preferred.
Serve with sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




