The tangy heat of buffalo sauce meets the smoky char of open flames in this fiery grilled chicken dish. These drumsticks are easy to prepare, yet bold in flavor—perfect for spice lovers looking for a backyard BBQ upgrade.
Whether you’re hosting a casual summer gathering or simply craving something spicy and satisfying, this dish hits the spot. Pair with celery sticks and ranch or enjoy them solo. Either way, these buffalo drumsticks will be the MVP of your grill lineup.
Full Recipe:
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon butter
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4 chicken drumsticks (or your preferred cut)
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Generous grilling-style cooking spray
Directions:
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In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ketchup, hot sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and butter. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
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Allow the sauce to cool. Set aside half the sauce for basting.
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Place chicken in a ziplock bag with the remaining sauce. Seal and marinate for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
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Preheat grill to medium heat and spray generously with cooking spray.
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Grill chicken for approximately 20 minutes or until fully cooked, turning and basting with the reserved sauce as you go.
Prep Time: 10 minutes /Cooking Time: 20 minutes / Marinating Time: 2 hours / Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal / Servings: 2 servings
The Bold Flavor of Easy Grilled Buffalo Chicken
Easy Grilled Buffalo Chicken is more than just a summertime staple—it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and that crave-worthy spice that makes buffalo anything irresistible. This recipe combines the smoky essence of grilled meat with the zesty tang of buffalo sauce, creating a dish that is both exciting and accessible for home cooks. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or just getting started, this recipe delivers bold taste without complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Buffalo chicken has long been a favorite in sports bars and game-day spreads, typically served fried and slathered in sauce. However, grilling the chicken offers a leaner, smokier, and arguably more flavorful twist. Grilled drumsticks, in particular, lend themselves beautifully to buffalo sauce. The skin crisps up over the flame while the meat stays juicy and tender inside, soaking in all the spice from the marinade.
Why Grilled Buffalo Chicken Stands Out
This dish stands out not just because it’s spicy and delicious, but because it’s incredibly simple and flexible. With just a few pantry staples—like hot sauce, butter, ketchup, and vinegar—you create a marinade and basting sauce that rivals any store-bought option. The ingredients work together to create that signature buffalo flavor: tangy, spicy, slightly sweet, and buttery.
The grilling process imparts a depth of flavor you can’t get from frying or baking. The smoky char from the grill complements the acidity and heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly. Plus, grilling reduces the amount of oil used compared to frying, making this a slightly healthier yet still indulgent alternative.
Ideal Occasions for This Dish
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for barbecues, tailgate parties, family dinners, or any gathering where bold flavors are appreciated. Its easy preparation means you can spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen. It’s especially ideal for summer cookouts or game days when you want to keep the food hearty and exciting without being heavy.
Even outside of events, it’s an excellent weekday dinner. The marinade time (just 1.5 to 2 hours) can easily be done in advance, and the actual grilling takes only about 20 minutes. This makes it a great go-to for a flavorful dinner after work or school.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
One of the best things about this grilled buffalo chicken recipe is its flexibility. Don’t like drumsticks? Swap them out for thighs, wings, or even boneless breasts. You can adjust the heat level by using more or less hot sauce, or by experimenting with different hot sauce brands—some are vinegar-forward, while others offer deeper chili flavors or added sweetness.
You can also enhance the marinade by adding ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you’re watching your sugar intake, the brown sugar can be reduced or substituted with honey or a sugar-free alternative without sacrificing much in flavor.
Pairing Ideas to Complete the Meal
Buffalo chicken is best served with sides that balance or complement its spice. Traditional accompaniments like celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing are always welcome. For a healthier twist, consider serving it with a fresh cucumber salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
If you’re going for a hearty spread, buffalo chicken pairs beautifully with mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or potato salad. To keep things light, a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a tangy quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette works well too. Don’t forget the cold drinks—icy lemonade, beer, or sparkling water with lime cuts through the spice beautifully.
The Nutritional Edge
Grilling rather than frying makes this dish naturally lower in fat and calories, especially if the skin is removed before marinating. The use of lean cuts like chicken breast or skinless thighs can further improve the nutritional profile. While buffalo sauce often contains butter, it’s a minimal amount and can be substituted with heart-healthier alternatives like olive oil or plant-based margarine if desired.
For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this dish is a great fit. It contains no flour or breading, and you can control the sugar in the sauce by using natural sweeteners or omitting it altogether. Plus, it’s gluten-free as long as your hot sauce and other ingredients are certified GF.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results when grilling buffalo chicken, preheating the grill is crucial. You want medium heat—hot enough to sear but not so high that it burns the sauce. Spraying the grill with a non-stick grilling spray ensures the chicken won’t stick and helps create a crispy, evenly grilled surface.
Turn the chicken frequently and baste it with the reserved sauce as it cooks. This builds layers of flavor while keeping the meat moist. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils or basting brushes for raw and cooked chicken. And finally, always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover buffalo grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also enjoy it cold, shredded over a salad, or chopped into wraps and sandwiches.
The flavor tends to intensify overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. If you’re planning to make extra, consider doubling the marinade and storing some in the fridge for other uses—it works great as a dipping sauce or sandwich spread.
Fun Variations to Try
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Buffalo Chicken Skewers: Cut the meat into chunks, marinate, and thread onto skewers with veggies like onions and bell peppers.
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Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Use leftovers in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch or blue cheese.
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Buffalo Chicken Salad: Serve sliced chicken over a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing.
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Add sliced grilled buffalo chicken to a pizza crust with mozzarella and red onions, then bake and drizzle with ranch.
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Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Stuff corn tortillas with grilled chicken, cabbage slaw, and a lime crema for a spicy twist on taco night.
Conclusion
Easy Grilled Buffalo Chicken is a true gem of a recipe: simple to prepare, bursting with bold flavor, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a go-to for any cook who loves the heat of buffalo wings but wants a more wholesome, grilled version without losing the signature kick. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard barbecue, prepping for the week ahead, or just looking to spice up a regular dinner night, this dish will not disappoint.
The harmony of spicy, tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors hits all the right notes, and the easy prep makes it one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. So fire up the grill, get your marinade ready, and enjoy a classic with a fresh twist—buffalo chicken, reimagined for the grill and your taste buds.