Ingredients for High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star protein for this high-protein dish, ensuring a lean and satisfying base. Choose quality chicken.
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce: The essential foundation for that classic spicy buffalo flavor. Its balanced heat is perfect.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds crucial richness and mellows the hot sauce for an authentic buffalo flavor. Unsalted butter controls seasoning.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides irresistible cheesy goodness. Freshly shredding ensures superior melt and flavor.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a wonderfully creamy and rich sauce, balancing the spice. Ensure it’s room temperature.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, ensuring even cooking and a nice golden crust. A good quality oil is key.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Aromatic powerhouse that deepens the savory profile of the chicken and sauce. Quick way to add garlic flavor.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic, adding another layer of savory depth to the overall flavor. Essential for a well-rounded taste.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a crucial umami punch, enhancing the richness and complexity of the buffalo sauce. Don’t skip it.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding moisture and depth. Use unsalted for control.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickener, ensuring the creamy buffalo sauce clings beautifully to the chicken. Mix with cold water first.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish. Start with less and adjust to your preference.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle spicy kick and aromatic warmth. Freshly ground provides the best flavor.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky depth that complements the buffalo spice. Boosts the spicy cheesy buffalo chicken flavor.
• 2 tbsp fresh green onions, sliced: Provides a fresh, sharp counterpoint to the rich sauce and a vibrant garnish. Sprinkle just before serving.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving: The classic accompaniment, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. Serve on the side.

How to Make High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy

Prep Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure chicken is evenly coated for best flavor. Soften cream cheese and shred cheddar while you prep.

Sauté Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Make Sauce:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add melted butter, Frank’s RedHot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce, and Worcestershire. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth and fully combined. Whisk cornstarch with chicken broth, then add to thicken.

Combine & Simmer:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy buffalo sauce. Stir everything together gently to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This creates our High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the chicken and sauce in the skillet. Cover and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. A perfectly cheesy finish is key here.

Garnish & Serve:

Garnish your High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy generously with fresh sliced green onions. Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy this comforting High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy dish!

How to Store High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy

To store leftover High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods; otherwise, it risks spoilage, and you definitely don’t want to waste it! Check for any off-smells or slimy texture.

For meal prep, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and add cheese right before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

When reheating, gently warm and stir well for even cheesy distribution.

What to Serve with High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy

Serve this delicious High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken – Spicy immediately, hot from the skillet. It’s perfect when warm and bubbling, showcasing its cheesy goodness. For a fresh contrast, pair it with crisp celery and carrot sticks or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic scooped onto a vibrant platter for easy sharing at any casual gathering.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this dish is over fluffy white rice or nestled in warm tortillas. The rice soaks up all that incredible cheesy buffalo sauce, making every single bite wonderfully satisfying and a truly complete meal. You’ll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Frank’s RedHot for another hot sauce in this Spicy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken recipe?

I strongly advise against it! Frank’s RedHot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce is crucial for authentic buffalo flavor in this High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken. Other sauces just won’t give you the same classic taste. Trust me on this one.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry when making this High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken?

Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns, not steams. Overcrowding was a mistake I made often, leading to less flavorful, dry chicken. Cook until just done.

→ Can I make Craving Spicy? Make This High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, you can! Prep the chicken and sauce up to two days ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and add cheese right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I make this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken recipe gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain gluten). All other ingredients are typically safe. Always double-check labels to be sure, especially with sauces.

→ How long can I store leftover High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken in the refrigerator?

Leftover High Protein Cheesy Buffalo Chicken stays fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Don’t leave it at room temperature for long periods to prevent spoilage. Always check for off-smells.