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Closeup shot of a platter with sliced chicken, carrot and celery sticks, buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Marinade (Quick and Easy)

Print Recipe
This quick and easy buffalo chicken marinade delivers sweet, spicy flavor in just 30 minutes of marinating time. Grill or bake chicken breasts or thighs.
Course dinner, Dressings & Sauces, Main Course, Marinade
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Keyword buffalo chicken, buffalo chicken marinade, buffalo sauce, easy, grilled, quick, spicy
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 258

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup cayenne pepper sauce, such as Frank’s red hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)

Instructions

  • Whisk the olive oil, red hot sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined.
  • Reserve ¼ cup (half) of the marinade to use at the end.
  • Add the remaining ¼ cup of marinade to a large baking dish or 1-gallon zip-top bag. Toss the chicken in the marinade to coat, then press as much air out of the bag (if using) as possible, or cover (if using a baking dish). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, flipping halfway through. 

Grilling Instructions

  • When ready to grill, heat a gas grill to high. Allow to preheat, then remove the chicken from the marinade, shake off any excess, and discard any remaining marinade from the bag or dish.
  • Grill, with the cover down, for 7-9 minutes, then flip, and grill uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 165F, about 2-7 additional minutes.
  • Remove to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade. Slice against the grain into ½ inch slices and serve.

Oven Baking Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425F. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Add the chicken to a foil or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Remove to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade. Slice against the grain into ½ inch slices and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 (of 6) | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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