If youre feeling like chowing down on some spicy fried chicken, Buffalo and Nashville hot chicken are two of the most popular versions youll find in the U. S. But while they might both have some crunch and kick to them, theres some substantial difference between the two in terms of ingredients and flavor, as well as the way theyre prepared.
First, let’s talk about Buffalo chicken, or more specifically, Buffalo wings, since this recipe is usually made with chicken wings as a snack (though the same method could be used with other chicken pieces). Here, chicken wings are deep-fried and then doused in a pretty simple vinegar-based hot sauce made with cayenne pepper, like Franks Red Hot or Crystal hot sauces, mixed with some butter. Some recipes take it a step further by adding things like garlic or Worcestershire sauce, but these aren’t usually part of all Buffalo wings recipes.
Nashville hot chicken also has cayenne, but it has more ingredients overall. It’s first marinated in a mixture of vinegary hot sauce, buttermilk, and pickle brine. The chickens breading may also contain black and cayenne peppers, and when its done, a final glaze-like sauce adds more cayenne but branches out beyond Buffalo chicken to include paprika, black pepper, onion, garlic, and notably, brown sugar for a sweet kick. This makes for a more rounded set of flavors compared to the pure cayenne kick of Buffalo sauce.
Buffalo chicken is one of those iconic American foods that seems to have been around forever With its addictive combination of heat, tang, and rich creaminess, this dish has secured its place in the pantheon of great comfort foods But for the uninitiated, the taste of Buffalo chicken can be a bit mysterious. Just what exactly makes this dish so craveable? Read on to find out!
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken wings are very popular right now, but the dish has only been around for a short time. You guessed it—it all began in 1964 in Buffalo, New York. The story goes that it was created at the Anchor Bar by owner Teressa Bellissimo, who was in a hurry to make a late-night snack for some hungry customers. Once she fried some chicken wings in oil and added a buttery hot sauce, they became a neighborhood favorite.
This well-known “bar food” made its way across western New York and then the rest of the country in the 1980s and 1990s. Because of how good it tasted, it became a must-have in sports bars and on game days. Even though Buffalo wings are still the best, you can now get Buffalo chicken on everything, from pizza and wraps to salads and sandwiches.
Decoding the Flavors
To answer your question, what makes Buffalo chicken taste so good? It’s a perfect mix of tastes and textures:
Spicy – The defining flavor of Buffalo chicken is the heat from cayenne pepper-based hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot. This gives it its signature fiery kick. The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Tangy – Vinegar is a key component of Buffalo wing sauce, giving it a bright, tangy flavor. This helps cut through the richness of the chicken and butter.
Creamy: Melted butter is mixed into the hot sauce to make it smooth and creamy. This makes the acidity of the vinegar work perfectly with the food. The butter also carries the spices, coating each bite.
Rich – The luxurious mouthfeel from the melted butter gives Buffalo chicken an indulgent, satisfying taste.
Savory – Worcesterchire sauce and garlic powder add subtle savory umami notes, bringing more depth to the flavor.
Crunchy – Traditional Buffalo chicken wings offer irresistible contrast between the crispy breaded exterior and the juicy meat inside when fried.
Beyond the Burn: Mild to Wild
One of the great things about Buffalo chicken is just how customizable it is to suit any preference. The key is adjusting the ratio of hot sauce to butter:
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Mild – For just a touch of heat, use around 1 part hot sauce to 3 parts butter. Great for kids or spice novices.
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Medium – Strike a balance with 2 parts hot sauce to 2 parts butter. This is considered the classic Buffalo flavor.
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Hot – For serious heat, amp it up to 3 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter. Add extra cayenne or hot pepper flakes as desired.
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Nuclear – Daredevils can crank up the heat with 4+ parts hot sauce to 1 part butter and extra peppers. Caution: may cause sweating!
No matter where you fall on the spice-o-meter, the combination of heat, acidity, and creaminess makes Buffalo chicken a universally craveable flavor. Just adjust the ratios until you find your personal sweet spot.
Maximizing the Versatility
While the OG Buffalo chicken wing still reigns supreme, one of the coolest things about Buffalo chicken is how versatile it is:
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Buffalo chicken dip – Blend shredded chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing for the ultimate game day app.
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Buffalo chicken sandwiches – Chicken tenders dunked in Buffalo sauce, served on a bun with blue cheese dressing.
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Buffalo chicken pizza – White pizza topped with chicken, Buffalo sauce, and mozzarella.
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Buffalo chicken wraps – Chicken, lettuce, tomato and Buffalo sauce all wrapped up.
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Buffalo chicken salad – Turn Buffalo chicken into a lighter meal with greens and fresh veggies.
So don’t be afraid to get creative with recipes and ingredients while still preserving that authentic Buffalo flavor!
FAQs
Still have some lingering questions about Buffalo chicken? Here are some frequently asked questions:
What cut of chicken is best for Buffalo wings?
The ideal cut is chicken wings! Whole wings or wing drumettes work great. The contrast of crisp skin and tender meat takes this dish to the next level.
What dipping sauces work with Buffalo chicken?
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are classic pairings. Their cool, creamy flavors balance the heat. Celery sticks also cut through the intensity.
How long does Buffalo chicken last in the fridge?
Leftover Buffalo chicken will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can you freeze Buffalo chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for 2-3 months. Make sure you seal it in an airtight container or freezer bag first.
What’s the best oil for frying Buffalo wings?
For maximum crispiness, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil as it can burn.
Bring on the Heat
Buffalo chicken is all about that perfect bite that brings the fiery burn, tangy zip, and luxurious creaminess in each mouthwatering forkful. This iconic bar snack turned American staple has staying power for a reason. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make Buffalo chicken your own. Just be prepared for some very happy tastebuds – and maybe keep some extra napkins handy!
The preparation and service differences to know
Even though the main difference in taste is in the spices and hot sauces used, it’s still important to know that there are other differences in how they’re cooked and served. As mentioned, Buffalo wings are, well, wings, and theyre often snapped in half before cooking, so eating them is more like getting meat off a drumstick. Meanwhile, Nashville hot chicken can use all parts of the bird, particularly breasts and thighs. Both are deep-fried, but Buffalo wings go straight into the fryer without being breaded first. Nashville hot chicken, on the other hand, is fully dredged and breaded, and you can add more flavor to the flour mix you use to dip the chicken in.
Both chicken types are served differently, too: Buffalo wings are more of a bar snack, so theyll typically come with just a couple of accouterments on the side. Buffalo wings are served with celery and a blue cheese sauce for dipping, which both help cut the heat and acidity of the Buffalo sauce. Quite differently, Nashville hot chicken is served with bread and pickles (some call it a sandwich, some dont). If youre looking for a main meal, Nashville is probably a better bet, thanks to the larger chicken pieces used. If youre trying to choose based on flavor profile, Nashville hot chicken tends to be spicier (Buffalo chicken has more of an acidic tang to it), but be warned that because there are a lot of different recipes out there, both types can vary in terms of heat.