If you love Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, this recipe is a must-try! Perfectly crispy, juicy chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce—this sandwich rivals any restaurant version but is made at home in under 30 minutes.
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These crispy buffalo chicken sandwiches are not only packed with bold flavor but can also be customized to suit your spice level. Whether you prefer extra heat or a milder kick, this recipe is easy to adjust, making it perfect for everyone. These sandwiches are a no-fuss meal that comes together quickly—ideal for busy weeknights. The whole family will love this recipe, especially when paired with air fryer steak fries for a fun dinner.
These buffalo chicken sandwiches are perfectly crispy and juicy without deep frying. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or quick, satisfying meals any time! If you enjoy this recipe, try my blackened chicken sandwiches for another bold and delicious twist on a classic!
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Ingredients
- Chicken. I recommend using boneless chicken thighs over chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have more fat which gives them more flavor.
- Flour. I used all-purpose flour, but gluten-free 1:1 flour should work if needed.
- Eggs. Used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken for a nice thick coating.
- Panko breadcrumb. I prefer the crust that panko breadcrumbs give but you can use regular breadcrumbs.
- Buffalo sauce. I love the New Primal buffalo sauce but use your favorite buffalo wing sauce.
Skip the flour and/or panko coating. Just coat the chicken in spices and toss in buffalo sauce after cooking. If you have a busy day ahead, try Crock Pot fried chicken for a hands-off dinner.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Set up an assembly line. Mix flour in a shallow bowl with the spices. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add breadcrumbs to their own shallow dish.
Step 2: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture.
Step 3: Then dip the chicken into the egg wash.
Step 4: Finally, dip the pieces of chicken in the breadcrumbs and press down until they are fully coated. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and assemble the sandwiches.
Sarah's Favorite
Air Fryer
All of my air fryer recipes are made using a NuWave air fryer. I've used both the basket style and the tray style.
Sarah's Top Tips
- Cook time varies depending on your air fryer model, I recommend checking the chicken at around 20 minutes. It should be at least 165 degrees F.
- The flour gives the chicken it's perfect crispy coating, don't skip it!
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Make sure you use cooking spray to coat the air fryer basket before putting the chicken in, otherwise, it could stick.
Serving
There are many ways to serve these chicken sandwiches. Personally, I love the classic combo of lettuce, tomato and a brioche bun. If you're a fan of toppings try these:
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing – Balances the heat.
- Green onions – A fresh pop of flavor.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy and slightly sweet.
- Dill pickles – A tangy kick.
I love serving these sandwiches with sweet potato fries and a side of Caesar salad or Greek cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep them separate from buns and toppings.
Freezer: If you want to freeze leftovers, do so without the sauce. Store in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I recommend reheating in the air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F until heating through, about 10 minutes. You can use the microwave but the chicken won't be crispy.
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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 brioche or burger buns
- 1 tomato, sliced
- green leaf or romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer or oven to 375 degrees F.
- Set up an assembly line: combine flour in a medium-sized bowl with the spices and mix to combine. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and add breadcrumbs to their own medium-sized bowl. (½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and black pepper to taste, 2 eggs, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs)
- Dip a piece of chicken in the flour mixture until it is coated on all sides, then dip the chicken in the egg bowl, again coating on all sides. Finally, dip the piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs and press down until it is fully coated. Transfer to a plate, then repeat the process with the remaining pieces of chicken. (1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
- Add chicken to air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 15 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Cooking time will depend on your individual air fryer.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and put in a large bowl. Pour buffalo sauce on top and toss with tongs to coat the chicken. (½ cup buffalo sauce)
- Heat or toast the buns to your liking. Assemble the sandwiches by adding lettuce, tomato and chicken to the buns. (4 brioche or burger buns, 1 tomato, green leaf or romaine lettuce)
- Serve with your favorite fries and a salad and enjoy!
Sarah's Tips
- No air fryer, no problem. The chicken can also be made in the oven. Cook the chicken at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes. Check to make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees F before serving.
- Check doneness by temperature, not just time. Air fryers vary, so use a thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Don’t skip the flour! It helps create a crispier coating. Let the floured chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking for the best texture.
- Spray both the basket and the chicken. Lightly coat the basket to prevent sticking and spray the chicken halfway through cooking for an extra crispy crust.
Jared says
Awesome recipe. Made it just as directed.
Sarah Hill says
Hi Jared, really happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
DARREN says
Perfect. Made just as the recipe stated. put a little blue cheese dressing with lettuce and tomato and it was great from the air fryer. Thanks for the recipe.
Sarah Holt says
Hi Darren, so happy you enjoyed the sandwiches. This is a favorite in our house!
Matthew says
Amazing recipe!!!
Sarah Holt says
So happy that you enjoyed it Matthew!
Caysey Frattalone says
Can I use Italian Style Breadcrumbs instead of the Panko? Will it taste the same or should I use panko? Thanks!
Sarah Holt says
Hi Caysey, yes Italian style should work!
Lauren says
This recipe is so easy and I loved how it came out of the air fryer crispy. Both my husband and I loved the sandwich!
Sarah Holt says
Hi Lauren, so happy you both enjoyed the sandwiches! This is one of my fiancé's favorite recipes.
Jodi says
hello! do you use the same amount of time with an oven as you do an air fryer?
Sarah Holt says
Hi Jodi! For the oven, I recommend cooking it for 15 minutes, flipping it and checking the temperature after 25 minutes. If it's at 165 then it's good to go! If not, cook it for another 5-8 minutes. If you want it crispy you can cook it on a rack placed over a baking sheet. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Cassy says
The. Best. Sandwich. EVER.
Sarah Holt says
Wow, thank you Cassy!!
Nancy says
OMG!! Just made these tonight ❤️
Huge hit here!! So crunchy, tasty, healthier than real fried chicken
These are on our dinner rotation
Love!!
Sarah Holt says
So happy you enjoyed them!
Kori says
Made this on a whim. so glad I did. This was amazing! Recipe was easy to follow, added a little bit of pickle, to copy a sandwich chain restaurant idea. This is definitely going to be made again and again!!
Are there other sauce ideas for this amazing sandwich?
Sarah Hill says
Hi Kori, I love that you added pickles! I will have to try that next time. You could try the spicy mayo from my blackened chicken sandwiches or a BBQ sauce!
kadeem says
I love love love these sandwiches, nothing better than having one of these with some fries and an ice-cold beer on Saturday.
Sarah Holt says
The perfect weekend treat!
Megan Lehr says
Holy s**t. I went directly to your instagram to follow you because this just looks divine and I can't wait to try this. Gosh. Amazing.
Sarah Holt says
thanks so much Megan!! 🙂
Capri says
I love a good crispy buffalo chicken sandwich! I cannot wait to try this! It looks phenomenal!
Sarah Holt says
Thank you Capri, hope you love them!
Tara says
Oh wow! Love the crispy coating on that chicken. Those flavors sound absolutely incredible. Yum!
Sarah Holt says
thank you Tara!
Kushigalu says
Love this air fryer vesrion plus how crispy they are. Would be a great recipe for parties.
Sarah Holt says
So perfect for parties, can even be made into sliders!
Cate says
These sandwiches look unreal! Even better than from a restaurant, making these for dinner!
Sarah Holt says
I hope you enjoyed them Cate!