There's something truly satisfying about a burger that brings a little kick to the table, and this Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe is just that. Packed with juicy ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and a bold buffalo sauce punch, it's a fresh take on classic comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week.

A sesame seed bun burger sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The burger has four clear layers: the bottom bun is light brown and soft, topped with fresh green leafy lettuce. Above the lettuce, there is a thick chicken patty covered with white creamy sauce and melted yellow cheddar cheese that drips slightly. Fresh red tomato slices sit on top of the cheese, all held together by the sesame seed top bun. A wooden skewer sticks vertically through the center of the burger to keep it upright. In the background, there is a blurry white bowl with orange sliced carrots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made plenty of chicken burgers over the years, but this buffalo version stands out because it manages to be both flavorful and light without sacrificing juiciness. Once you try it, I bet you'll reach for it again and again.

Fresh, Healthy Ingredients: Ground chicken combined with grated zucchini keeps the patties moist and adds a veggie boost you'll barely notice.
Bold Flavor: The buffalo sauce gives these burgers a vibrant zing that livens up your typical dinner routine.
Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple steps make this recipe friendly for weeknights or last-minute meals.
Customizable: Whether you prefer buns, lettuce wraps, or topping combos, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. I find that choosing fresh, quality components really elevates the whole dish, and a few tips can help your burgers come out perfectly every time.

Flat lay of fresh ground chicken in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small bowl of finely grated zucchini, a single green onion with vibrant green sliced rings neatly arranged, a small bunch of bright green cilantro sprigs, a small white bowl filled with rich orange buffalo sauce, a small white bowl holding fine garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, several crisp green lettuce leaves arranged in a fan, a small white bowl with creamy ranch dressing, a few ripe red tomato slices, thin rings of fresh red onion, a ripe avocado halved to show the smooth green flesh, and a few small dill pickles—all ingredients placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Chicken: I like to use 93-96% lean ground chicken for just the right balance of moisture and protein without excess fat.
Grated Zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle flavor while keeping each burger juicy; just be sure to squeeze out the excess water so they don't get soggy.
Green Onion: Provides a mild oniony brightness that complements the spice and herbs.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note that's a perfect contrast to the buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the show — choose your favorite brand or homemade version that packs heat and tang.
Garlic Powder: A little punch of garlic deepens the flavor without overpowering the buffalo kick.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the patties.
Buns or Lettuce: Depending on your dietary preferences and mood, soft buns or crisp lettuce wraps both work beautifully.
Lettuce for Topping: Adds crunch and freshness to your burger build.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch is a classic pairing that cools down the heat just right.
Additional Buffalo Sauce: For drizzling on top to boost that zesty buffalo flavor.
Optional Toppings: Everything from sliced tomatoes, red onions, avocado, pickles, to cheese can be added for personalization and extra texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often like to switch up the sauce amounts depending on my mood — sometimes mild, sometimes with extra heat. You’ll find the flexibility here just adds to the fun of making this your own signature buffalo chicken burger.

Lettuce Wrap Option: When I’m cutting carbs, wrapping these juicy patties in crisp romaine or butter lettuce keeps things light but full of texture.
Cheese Lover’s Variation: Adding a slice of sharp cheddar or blue cheese brings a creamy, tangy depth that balances the buffalo spice.
Spicy Level Adjustments: If you love spicy, I recommend doubling the buffalo sauce inside the mix and an extra drizzle on top — just be ready with ranch or cooling toppings!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe

A sesame seed bun burger on a white plate with a white marbled background. The burger has four layers: the bottom bun, bright green curly lettuce, a light brown chicken patty topped with white creamy sauce and orange sauce dripping down, two thick red tomato slices with black pepper on top, and the top sesame bun slightly tilted. A drop of orange sauce is on the plate near the burger. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Squeeze Out the Zucchini Moisture

Before mixing your ingredients, make sure to get as much water out of the grated zucchini as possible. I usually put it in a clean dish towel, wrap it tight, and give it a good squeeze over the sink. This step is key to avoiding soggy patties and keeping the burgers sturdy while cooking.

Step 2: Mix Your Burger Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the squeezed zucchini, sliced green onion, cilantro, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. I find mixing gently with my hands works better than a fork — it helps everything come together without overworking the meat.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form each into a patty roughly the size of your buns. Don’t press them too flat, as they shrink a bit when cooking but still need that nice burger heft.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties, making sure they don’t touch so they get a good sear. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You want to see a golden crust around the edges but still juicy inside.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place your cooked burgers on buns or lettuce wraps, then pile on lettuce, ranch dressing, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, and any extras like tomato, onion, or cheese. Serve hot and dive in!

Top Tip

From making this recipe multiple times, I've learned a few tricks that have made a world of difference in the outcome. These tips help guarantee juicy burgers with the perfect buffalo flavor every time.

Always Squeeze the Zucchini: Skipping this turns your patties watery — don’t skip the squeeze or pat dry.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ground chicken must hit 165°F for safety; this takes the guesswork out.
Cook in Batches: Burgers cook better with room around them, so don’t overcrowd your pan.
Let Patties Rest: After cooking, give them a minute to rest for juicy, tender bites.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Burger - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love layering crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce for crunch, a generous drizzle of cool ranch to balance the heat, and a few slices of ripe tomato for freshness. Sometimes I add pickles or avocado slices for texture and creaminess — these simple toppings really bring the whole burger together.

Side Dishes

Pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy celery sticks with blue cheese dip, or even a simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette. When I want something lighter, celery and carrot sticks soak up extra buffalo sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual dinner parties, I sometimes serve these burgers deconstructed in bowls — patties sliced over a bed of lettuce and topped with buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, diced veggies, and crunchy toppings. It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their own bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover buffalo chicken patties keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the burgers separate from buns or fresh toppings to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked patties individually wrapped in parchment and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the edges without drying out the patty. You can also use the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil to keep them moist. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to make them less juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these buffalo chicken burgers gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular buns for gluten-free buns or use lettuce wraps and double-check that your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free versions.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem! You can reduce the buffalo sauce amount mixed into the patties to tone down the heat or choose a milder buffalo sauce brand. Adding extra ranch dressing when serving helps cool things down too.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and form the patties a few hours ahead, keeping them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. This makes dinnertime faster and less stressful.

What are good substitutions for ground chicken?

Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a similar flavor and texture. Just be mindful that some ground turkey varieties can be leaner, so you may want to add a bit of grated zucchini or a teaspoon of olive oil to keep them moist.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Burger Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it hits all the right notes — spicy, juicy, fresh, and satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious dinner for one. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you added this one to your recipe rotation.