Introduction
Craving a flavor explosion? Look no further than the Buffalo Chicken Burger with Ranch and Celery Slaw! This isn’t your average burger. We’re talking about juicy, perfectly cooked chicken coated in a tangy Buffalo sauce, balanced by the creamy coolness of ranch dressing, and topped with a crisp and refreshing celery slaw. Get ready for a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or anytime you need a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Making the Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Buffalo Chicken: Chicken breasts, Buffalo wing sauce (we recommend Frank’s RedHot), butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- For the Ranch Dressing: Mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. (Or use your favorite store-bought ranch!)
- For the Celery Slaw: Celery stalks, shredded carrots, red onion, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- For Assembly: Burger buns, lettuce leaves (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, whisk together the Buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Ranch Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prepare the Celery Slaw: In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced celery, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss to combine.
- Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread ranch dressing on the top and bottom buns. Place lettuce (if using) on the bottom bun, followed by the cooked Buffalo chicken. Top with the celery slaw and the top bun. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Burger
- Chicken Perfection: Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce to control the heat.
- Slaw Ahead: The celery slaw can be made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Bun Choice: Use high-quality burger buns that can hold up to the juicy ingredients. Brioche or pretzel buns work especially well.
Variations and Customizations
Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)
Feel free to adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, use a less spicy Buffalo sauce or mix it with a little ketchup.
Cheese Please!
Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the burger while the chicken is still hot. Blue cheese, pepper jack, or cheddar would all be delicious additions.
Alternative Slaw Options
Don’t have celery? Try using shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw mix as a base. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers to the slaw.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Burger with Ranch and Celery Slaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy, making it an unforgettable burger experience. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that will become a new favorite!
