The first time I made these crispy buffalo chicken burgers with ranch slaw, I knew they’d become a new household favorite. The burgers are juicy, perfectly spiced, and best of all, topped with a creamy, tangy ranch slaw that balances the heat.

These flavorful burgers are easy to whip up and are perfect for a casual dinner or even a summer barbecue. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch from the slaw and the irresistible taste of buffalo sauce paired with melty cheddar. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

Credit: thecommunalfeast

Ingredients

For the burgers:

1 pound ground chicken: Lean and packed with protein, ground chicken absorbs buffalo sauce perfectly.
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps the patties hold together. A little extra is recommended if grilling.
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce: Mild or extra hot, based on your spice preference.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: Adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
1 tablespoon ranch dressing: Keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
1 large egg: Helps bind the mixture for easy shaping.
4 slices cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.
4 hamburger buns: Toast them to prevent sogginess and provide extra crunch.

For the slaw:

2 cups coleslaw mix: Choose a pre-shredded mix for convenience and crunch.
1/4 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy, it pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavor.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the slaw.

Note: This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.

Variations

Looking for options to switch up these burgers or make them fit your dietary needs? Here’s what you can try:

Dairy-free: Swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan ranch dressing.
Low-carb: Skip the buns and serve the patties on a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap.
Spice level: Use mild buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Blue cheese twist: Replace ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an even bolder taste.

For a spicy kick, you might also enjoy these Chili Lime Steak Bites as a side or appetizer.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowl: To combine the patty ingredients.
Grill or skillet: For cooking the patties to perfection.
Spatula: To flip the burgers without breaking them.
Small bowl: To prepare the ranch slaw.
Thermometer: Ensures the patties are cooked to a safe temperature.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw?

Mastering these burgers is easier than you think! Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Combine the ingredients

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and adding the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, ranch dressing, and an egg. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape into patties. If it feels too wet, add a little more panko.

Shape the patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each portion into a patty. Try to make them slightly thinner in the center since they’ll puff up as they cook.

Grill or cook the burgers

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for around 6 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Just before they’re done, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt for a minute or two.

Create the ranch slaw

While the burgers are cooking, prepare the slaw. Toss the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing and ranch seasoning in a small bowl until evenly coated. This step is quick but makes a world of difference in adding crunch and creaminess to your burgers.

Assemble the burgers

Toast the hamburger buns for added texture. Place each patty on a bun, top it with a generous helping of ranch slaw, and drizzle extra buffalo sauce if desired. Press the top bun gently, and your masterpiece is ready to serve!

Credit: thecommunalfeast

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few tips from my kitchen to take your buffalo chicken burgers to the next level:

Freeze patties before grilling: If the mixture feels too soft, pop the patties in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm them up.
Grill marks add charm: For perfectly grilled burgers, lightly oil the grates before cooking.
Customize the toppings: Add sliced avocado, pickles, or a splash of lime juice for more layers of flavor.
Control the spice: Gradually mix in the buffalo sauce and taste-test the heat level while prepping.

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw?

Presentation matters! For a pop of color, pair the burgers with a side of bright, fresh veggies or sweet potato fries. Garnish the plate with a sprinkling of ranch seasoning or parsley for an elegant touch. Serving drinks? A cool lemonade or iced tea balances the spice beautifully. Serve them wrapped in parchment paper for a casual dinner or stack them high on a board for an Instagram-worthy display. For a twist, you might also enjoy these Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipes that bring bold flavors to your table.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an idea of what you’ll get from each serving:

Calories: About 573
Protein: Approximately 34g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 36g
Fat: About 31g

Make Ahead and Storage

Making your burgers ahead of time? Here’s how to handle it:

Restoring: Store cooked patties and slaw separately in sealed containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them for a quick fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It’s no wonder these burgers are such a crowd-pleaser!

Bursting with flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch makes each bite exciting.
Family-friendly: It’s easy to adjust the spice level for both kids and heat-lovers.
Quick and simple: The recipe comes together in just over 20 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or game-day gatherings.
Customizable: From toppings to spice level, you can make this recipe truly your own.

Take your burger nights to new heights with these crispy buffalo chicken burgers with ranch slaw. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch is utterly irresistible. Once you’ve tried them, they’re sure to become a regular on your table! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw Recipe

Ash Tyrrell