Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Name: Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 0.25 cup light sour cream; 0.25 cup reduced fat blue cheese crumbles; 0.25 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1.5 pounds ground chicken; 0.25 cup hot pepper sauce; 0.5 teaspoon celery salt; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 0.25 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste; cooking spray; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco); 4 Kaiser rolls, split; 4 leaves iceberg lettuce; 0.5 cup diced celery

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This recipe yields 4 servings of flavorful buffalo chicken burgers topped with a creamy blue cheese sauce. It's a perfect balance of spice and creamy richness!

Ingredients

cup light sour cream
cup reduced-fat blue cheese crumbles
teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pounds ground chicken
cup hot pepper sauce
teaspoon celery salt (Optional)
teaspoon paprika
teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
4 kaiser rolls, split
4 leaves iceberg lettuce
cup diced celery

Directions

Step 1: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, and Worcestershire sauce. Set this aside for later.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, mix the ground chicken with cup hot sauce, celery salt (if using), paprika, poultry seasoning, and cayenne pepper until everything is evenly distributed. Form the mixture into four patties, each about inch thick.

Step 4: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side, until grill marks appear. Flip the burgers and coat the top of the rolls with cooking spray. You can lightly toast the rolls on the grill if you like.

Step 5: Brush the cooked side of each patty with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the burgers are no longer pink in the center and juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165F (74C).

Step 6: While the burgers finish cooking, place a leaf of iceberg lettuce on the bottom half of each roll. Once the burgers are done, place one patty on each roll, top with 2 tablespoons of blue cheese sauce, and add 2 tablespoons of diced celery. Finish by placing the top half of the roll on each burger.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	374	-
Total Fat	9g	11%
Saturated Fat	3g	14%
Cholesterol	111mg	37%
Sodium	1111mg	48%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2g	6%
Total Sugars	3g	-
Protein	46g	91%
Vitamin C	14mg	16%
Calcium	98mg	8%
Iron	3mg	16%
Potassium	446mg	9%

History of Buffalo Chicken Burgers

The origins of Buffalo-style cooking trace back to Buffalo, New York, in 1964, with the invention of the famous Buffalo chicken wings. Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of Anchor Bar, is credited with creating the spicy chicken wings after an unexpected late-night request for a snack. This led to the development of a recipe that has since become iconic in American cuisine. The Buffalo chicken burger, a variation of the traditional wings, follows the same spicy, tangy flavor profile, but offers a less messy, more versatile form of enjoyment, often served in a bun.

Regional Characteristics of Buffalo Chicken Burgers

While Buffalo chicken wings are a classic example of Western New York's culinary influence, the Buffalo chicken burger has spread across the U.S. as a modern twist on a regional favorite. The burgers are typically made with ground chicken, infused with a hearty dose of hot sauce, and paired with the creamy richness of blue cheese dressing. This dish has become a popular alternative to beef burgers in many regions, particularly in areas where spicy and bold flavors are cherished. The use of celery as a garnish is another nod to the original wings, which are traditionally served with celery sticks on the side.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

The Buffalo chicken burger stands apart from similar burgers, like the classic chicken burger or the traditional beef burger, by incorporating the unique combination of hot sauce and blue cheese dressing. Unlike standard chicken burgers, which tend to be milder, the Buffalo version is distinctly spicy and tangy, offering a kick that is characteristic of the Buffalo wing experience. Furthermore, the burger is often served with celery, which adds a refreshing crunch that complements the heat from the hot sauce and the richness of the blue cheese.

Where Buffalo Chicken Burgers Are Typically Served

Buffalo chicken burgers are popular in casual dining settings, especially in sports bars, grills, and diners, where patrons enjoy hearty meals with bold flavors. They are also a favorite at barbecues and family gatherings, particularly for those looking to break away from the standard beef burgers. Youll find them on the menu at many restaurants offering American comfort food, often served with crispy fries or a side of fresh vegetables to balance the heat. The versatility of the dish also makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cooking, whether on the grill or in the kitchen.

Fun Facts About Buffalo Chicken Burgers

The spicy hot sauce used in Buffalo chicken burgers is typically Frank's RedHot, a brand that was the original hot sauce used for Buffalo wings.
Buffalo chicken burgers can easily be made ahead and frozen, making them a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Some variations of the dish substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese, catering to those who prefer a milder, less pungent sauce.
Buffalo chicken burgers can be adapted for different dietary preferences, including being made with ground turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken burgers with blue cheese dressing offer a delicious and spicy twist on the classic burger, combining the heat of hot sauce with the creamy richness of blue cheese. Perfect for any casual meal or special gathering, this dish has quickly become a beloved option for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of kick in their food. Whether youre grilling outdoors or cooking in the comfort of your kitchen, Buffalo chicken burgers bring the satisfying flavors of Buffalo wings in an easy-to-eat form.

FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Burgers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cooked burgers. To reheat, place them in the oven or on a skillet until heated through.

Yes, you can make the patties ahead of time. To do so, form the patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with ranch dressing or a different creamy dressing of your choice. For a lighter alternative, you could also use a yogurt-based dressing or a tahini sauce.

Yes, these burgers are perfect for grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties until grill marks appear, about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to coat the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers are great served with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with extra blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping, and some pickled vegetables to balance the spicy flavor.

To prevent the patties from falling apart, it helps to chill them in the fridge or freezer for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or an egg to the mixture can also help bind the patties together. If grilling, be careful when flipping them, as they can be more delicate than beef burgers.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still work well for this recipe. Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

If the burger mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit of breadcrumbs or an egg to help firm it up. Alternatively, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before forming the patties. This will help the flavors meld and the mixture will be easier to handle.

Yes, if you like more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add finely chopped fresh chilies to the patty mixture. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste for an extra spicy kick.

The best way to check if the Buffalo Chicken Burgers are fully cooked is by using an instant-read thermometer. The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. The juices should run clear, and the patties should not be pink in the center.

Comments

Andrew Wright

08/31/2022 05:06:28 PM

Rewritten review: These chicken burgers turned out fantastic! I was unsure what to do with the ground chicken I purchased on sale, but this recipe was the perfect solution. I only had 1lb of ground chicken, so I reduced the amount of hot sauce slightly, but I could have kept it for some extra heat. I kept all the other measurements the same, although next time I might add more poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor. I also added some chopped onions to the burger mixture. Following the suggestion from other reviews, I shaped the patties and placed them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to help them firm up before grilling. For the sauce, I generously added blue cheese (I love its flavor!) and included a touch of garlic powder and pepper based on recommendations from other reviewers. The diced celery provided an interesting taste and texture; personally, I could do without it, but I appreciate the recipe's intent. The burgers took a bit longer on the grill, but the end result was well worth it. I will definitely be making these again and will experiment with different toppings next time!

Karen Thomas

03/31/2024 09:49:29 PM

I made this recipe again tonight, but with ground turkey instead of chicken as that's what I had on hand. It turned out fantastic, although I have a slight preference for the ground chicken burgers. The raw patties were a bit sticky, so I separated them with parchment paper and popped them in the freezer for a couple of hours before grilling. I followed the recipe exactly, even toasting the kaiser rolls. The end result was delicious! I can definitely see these burgers becoming a hit at gatherings, especially with tweens and teens.

James Wilson

03/25/2023 06:03:29 PM

This dish turned out well after some trial and error in the cooking process. Unfortunately, my boyfriend doesn't like blue cheese so we skipped making the dressing, which I know is a key part of the dish's flavor. When we attempted to cook the burgers on the stove, the mixture was too wet to form into patties and would have fallen apart if we tried to flip them. In a pinch, we ended up baking them in muffin tins for a long time at a low temperature instead. Although the tops browned nicely, the bottoms remained soggy and unappetizing. We eventually transferred them to a baking sheet to cook further, and the end result was decent. Next time, I would add more hot sauce as we both love buffalo flavor. I'll give this recipe another go, perhaps by preparing and freezing the burgers in advance for easier stovetop cooking.

Angela Taylor

10/13/2022 09:56:19 AM

These were absolutely delicious! I enhanced the flavor by incorporating finely minced onion, and opted for sliders on Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional burgers. Preparing them the night before and freezing them worked wonders in keeping them intact on the grill. While my husband raved about the bleu cheese sauce, I'm not a fan of bleu cheese, so I topped mine with ranch dressing, and they turned out to be delicious!

Timothy Rodriguez

05/25/2023 09:38:29 PM

Reading the recipe made me hungry, so I couldn't resist trying it out! My husband was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed it, especially since he wasn't initially thrilled about the idea of "chicken burgers." Now, we both absolutely love them!

Thomas Flores

03/18/2024 04:28:44 PM

My family absolutely loves these buffalo chicken patties. I followed the recipe to a tee the first time and they turned out wonderfully. My go-to hot sauce for cooking is definitely Frank's! When I made them again tonight, I had to improvise a bit since I was out of celery and celery salt - I added celery flakes to the patties and used store-bought blue cheese instead. While it wasn't as good as the original, it did the job. The recipe itself is spot-on and doesn't require any tweaks. Plus, the leftover patty was fantastic crumbled over a salad for lunch the next day.

Cook Time: 15 minutes