Medium

Grilled Buffalo Chicken

Name: Grilled Buffalo Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken pieces (your preferred cut); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper; 0.5 cup BBQ sauce; salt and pepper to taste

(237)

55 min4322 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Rest Before Saucing

“Apply BBQ sauce only in the last 5-10 minutes. Sugar in the sauce burns quickly over direct heat. Let the meat develop its own crust first, then glaze at the end.”

Bring to Room Temperature

“Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.”

The Two-Zone Setup

“I always set up my grill with a hot zone and a cooler zone. Start chicken skin-side down over direct heat to get that char, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning.”

About This Recipe

Grilled Buffalo Chicken is a dish that resonates deeply with Canadian home cooks, evoking memories of summer BBQs and family gatherings. The unique blend of smoky paprika and cayenne pepper creates a tantalizing heat that is balanced perfectly by the sweetness of BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare, or for lazy weekends when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It's a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table, making it a staple in many Canadian kitchens.

What truly sets this dish apart is its simplicity combined with robust flavor. The chicken becomes tender and juicy on the grill, absorbing the bold spices while the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully, adding a rich glaze. Whether you're enjoying it on a sunny patio or as part of a cozy indoor meal, this Grilled Buffalo Chicken is sure to leave a lasting impression and keep it in your regular dinner rotation.

Tips for the Best Grilled Buffalo Chicken

To achieve perfectly grilled Buffalo chicken, it’s essential to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken pieces. Aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are fully cooked yet remain juicy. Marinating the chicken in the olive oil and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling will infuse the flavors deeply. Avoid flipping the chicken too often; let it sear to create those beautiful grill marks and lock in moisture.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful presentation, serve your Grilled Buffalo Chicken alongside a refreshing coleslaw, which complements the spiciness beautifully. You might consider offering some grilled corn on the cob or a classic Canadian potato salad for a heartier meal. A cold craft beer from a local brewery pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors and bringing a true Canadian touch to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Grilled Buffalo Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at 175°C (350°F) to gently warm the chicken, which helps preserve its moisture. If you’d like to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

322

Calories

24g

Protein

13g

Fat

28g

Carbs

Fiber3g

Sugar3g

Sodium600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of pieces?+

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce if I don’t have any?+

If you're out of BBQ sauce, you can mix ketchup with a splash of vinegar and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a quick alternative that captures a similar sweetness and tang.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?+

While not mandatory, marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the meat, making it a worthwhile step for the best results.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?+

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure to preheat the pan well for proper searing.

How can I add more heat to the dish?+

To amp up the heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the spice mix or serve the chicken with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (237 reviews)

Nicole X.

Apr 9, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Brandon E.

Apr 23, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

James G.

Oct 24, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Daniel H.

Nov 2, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

15 min

Cook:

40 min

Total:

55 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Medium

Pro Tips

1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

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Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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