Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers Recipe

Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 extra large egg
  • cup onion, chopped (Optional)
  • cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, dry bread crumbs, crumbled blue cheese, egg, chopped onion (if using), and buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.

Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Place the patties between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking. For best results, refrigerate the patties overnight in an airtight .

Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the patties on the preheated grill for about 3 minutes per side or until they are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Step 5: Once cooked, serve the buffalo chicken patties on the toasted buns. Add condiments of your choice, such as lettuce, tomato, or extra buffalo sauce, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 489
Total Fat 14g
Saturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 139mg
Sodium 1439mg
Total Carbohydrate 46g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 42g
Vitamin C 2mg
Calcium 265mg
Iron 4mg
Potassium 502mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burger

Recipe Author: Mark Baranowski

Origin and History

The Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burger draws inspiration from the iconic Buffalo wings, a popular American appetizer originating in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. The wings were first created by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar, who deep-fried the wings and tossed them in a spicy, tangy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. Over the years, Buffalo flavor has become synonymous with spicy, bold, and tangy dishes. The addition of blue cheese, often paired with Buffalo wings as a dip, created the perfect harmony of creamy and spicy flavors. This burger combines those elements with ground chicken to offer a lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Regional Variations

Buffalo wings, and by extension, the Buffalo flavor, are especially prominent in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York and surrounding areas. The Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burger can be found across the country but is particularly popular in sports bars and casual American restaurants. Variations include swapping blue cheese for other cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella, or even adding additional toppings like jalapeos, pickles, or ranch dressing for an extra creamy kick. Depending on the region, some versions of the Buffalo sauce may be milder or spicier, with a few incorporating local hot sauces or spice blends to customize the flavor.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

While the Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burger shares common elements with traditional Buffalo wings, such as the hot wing sauce and blue cheese, it differs primarily in its presentation. Traditional Buffalo wings are deep-fried and served with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, whereas this burger integrates both the sauce and cheese directly into the chicken patty, offering a unique blend of flavors in each bite. Additionally, while beef burgers are more common, using chicken provides a leaner alternative, offering a healthier take on the classic dish. The blue cheese and buffalo sauce combination is typically associated with comfort food, but in this burger form, it offers a more filling and satisfying meal.

Where Its Typically Served

Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers are typically served in casual dining establishments, especially those that focus on American comfort food or sports bar menus. They are often paired with traditional sides such as French fries, coleslaw, or pickles, which help to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. These burgers are also popular during BBQ season, particularly at summer gatherings, where they are grilled outdoors and served on soft toasted buns. In some cases, the burgers are even served without buns for a low-carb option, with the patties themselves acting as the main feature.

Fun Facts

  • The city of Buffalo, New York, where the wings originated, celebrates "National Buffalo Wing Day" every year on July 29th.
  • Buffalo sauce, the signature spicy sauce used in this dish, was originally made using Frank's RedHot sauce and butter, creating the signature flavor that has become a beloved American staple.
  • Although ground chicken is commonly used in this burger recipe, some variations call for ground turkey or even beef for those who prefer a richer flavor.
  • The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese is a classic pairing in the United States and is often used in a variety of dishes, from salads to dips and even pizza toppings.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 extra-large egg
  • cup onion, chopped
  • cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Instructions:

  1. Mix together the chicken, bread crumbs, blue cheese, egg, onion, and wing sauce in a mixing bowl until evenly combined. Form into 4 patties and place between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight for best results.
  2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grill grate.
  3. Cook the patties on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Serve on toasted buns with condiments of your choice.

Nutrition Information: Per serving (1 burger): 489 calories, 14g fat, 46g carbohydrates, 42g protein

FAQ about Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers Recipe

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken in this recipe. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it should work just as well.

The patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate the patties with wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.

Yes, you can substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.

If the mixture seems too wet to form patties, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to help it firm up. This will make it easier to shape into patties.

Yes, you can cook the burgers in a skillet. Heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat, then cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are no longer pink in the center.

The best way to check if the burgers are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut the burger open to ensure that it is no longer pink inside and that the juices run clear.

Absolutely! You can use any type of buffalo wing sauce you prefer. If you like it spicier, you can choose a hotter sauce, or for a milder flavor, go for a more mild wing sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the sauce will significantly influence the final taste of the burgers.

To make these burgers gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Make sure to check the wing sauce as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag once they are solid. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as usual.

Yes, you can cook these burgers on a George Foreman grill. Just make sure to oil the grill plates lightly before placing the patties on. The cooking time may be slightly shorter than on a regular grill, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Comments

Jessica Ramirez

01/06/2023 09:24:03 PM

I decided to enhance the recipe by incorporating an egg and using gluten-free bread crumbs, since we were grilling these on our green egg. We also gave them a quick sear on an ungreased frying pan to ensure the chicken wouldn’t stick to the grill. The result was a hit with everyone! Surprisingly, we skipped the blue cheese sauce with celery, and even my teenage boys couldn't get enough of them!

Jerry Davis

01/02/2025 04:18:44 PM

I really enjoyed this recipe. I made a couple of tweaks - I substituted dried onion flakes, made two thin patties, added a generous spoonful of blue cheese between them, and then pressed the patties together. I grilled them on a stovetop grill and they turned out delicious.

Joyce Miller

08/04/2022 02:37:40 PM

This recipe was a huge hit in our household! The only modification I made was adding half of the hot sauce to the mixture and using the other half to baste two of the four burgers while cooking, for those of us who enjoy extra spiciness. Thank you for a fantastic recipe!

Patricia Hernandez

02/02/2024 03:48:30 AM

All five of us absolutely adored these burgers! We're not big fans of blue cheese, so I substituted it with mozzarella which worked perfectly. Topped with lettuce and ranch dressing - simply fabulous!

Dorothy Lopez

10/01/2023 09:51:21 AM

I absolutely adored these burgers! They tasted just like hot wings in a bun. I used Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing sauce (not the original version) and added extra blue cheese on top. I also whipped up a delicious spicy sauce with mayo and the hot wing sauce. Finished off with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and onion, these burgers were fantastic. I plan on making them many more times in the future!

Debra Collins

10/31/2022 02:22:04 PM

Dealing with ground chicken can be challenging! Following the advice of others, I stuffed the cheese inside the chicken. I tried brushing oil on the burgers, but they still ended up sticking to the grates. Frustrating! I ended up saving some of the sauce to brush on after grilling. The flavor is delicious, but next time, I think it would be easier to grill a chicken breast and add the cheese and sauce after cooking.

Michelle Sanchez

01/03/2024 05:39:23 AM

I used panko bread crumbs in my burgers, which I believe resulted in a light and moist texture. I also opted for less cheese and wing sauce, giving just the perfect amount of heat. We prefer our burgers without the bun, and these have definitely become a new favorite for us!

Heather Flores

01/05/2025 03:53:32 PM

Incredible burgers! They were absolutely delicious. They were a hit with everyone!

Donald Wilson

10/03/2022 03:50:59 AM

This was a truly disappointing experience. The texture was mushy and the taste was underwhelming.