Name: Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 pcs chicken nuggets; ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce; 3 tbsp ranch dressing; ½ oz feta cheese; ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup Cheddar Cheese

Feeling adventurous? Try this hot buffalo chicken recipe inspired by Domino's. It's a unique spin on a classic dish, packing a fiery punch with buffalo wing sauce and a mouthwatering blend of cheeses. Whether you're looking for a game day snack or a meal for a night in, this recipe won't disappoint.

hot buffalo chicken (domino's copycat) recipe

Photos of Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe

The key ingredient to this recipe is the buffalo wing sauce. It's a tangy, spicy sauce typically used for chicken wings. If this is not commonly found in your home, you can easily find it in the condiment aisle at your local supermarket. The combination of cheeses used - feta, mozzarella, and cheddar, achieve a perfect balance of tang, creaminess and sharpness.

Ingredients for Hot Buffalo Chicken Inspired by Domino's

Chicken nuggets: This will serve as the base of our dish. It's convenient and easy to prepare. Buffalo wing sauce: This sauce adds the spicy, tangy flavor. Ranch dressing: It adds a creamy balance to the spicy buffalo flavor. Feta cheese: A tangy, briny cheese that adds depth to the flavor profile. Mozzarella cheese: A smooth, creamy cheese with a mild flavor. It also gives the dish a nice, gooey texture. Cheddar cheese: This cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

One reader, Laurice Hobbs says:

This hot buffalo chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and three types of cheese creates a flavor explosion. It's easy to make and tastes just like the one from Domino's. I highly recommend trying it for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Laurice Hobbs

Techniques Required for Making Hot Buffalo Chicken

How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before starting the recipe to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking.

How to line up chicken nuggets: Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they are touching each other on the sides to create a cohesive base for the toppings.

How to coat with buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing: Evenly coat the arranged chicken nuggets with buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing to infuse them with the spicy and tangy flavors.

How to sprinkle with feta, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle the feta cheese cubes, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese evenly over the coated chicken nuggets to ensure each piece is covered with a delicious blend of cheeses.

How to bake until crispy and browned: Bake the prepared chicken nuggets for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is crispy, browned, and melted to perfection.

How To Make Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat)

Take 20 minutes to make this hot buffalo chicken from Domino’s. Baked with 3 cheeses, these chicken bites are tossed in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

20pcschicken nuggets
¼cupbuffalo wing sauce
3tbspranch dressing
½ozfeta cheese,(about 2 tbsp), cubed
¼cupmozzarella cheese,shredded
¼cupcheddar cheese,shredded

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line chicken nuggets up in a single layer touching each other on the sides.
Coat with buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing.
Sprinkle with feta cheese cubes, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until cheese is crispy, browned, and melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 434.36kcal
Fat: 30.23g
Saturated Fat: 9.77g
Trans Fat: 0.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.58g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.43g
Carbohydrates: 17.54g
Fiber: 0.70g
Sugar: 2.13g
Protein: 23.14g
Cholesterol: 72.84mg
Sodium: 849.63mg
Calcium: 209.25mg
Potassium: 352.21mg
Iron: 1.90mg
Vitamin A: 75.70µg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Flavor

To ensure your chicken nuggets are evenly coated with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, you might want to place them in a large bowl, pour the sauces over them, and gently toss until they're fully covered. This method can help distribute the flavors more evenly, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Domino's-Inspired Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the buffalo wing sauce and cheese mixture in advance to save time when assembling the dish.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked chicken nuggets to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.

Bake in batches: If making a large quantity, consider baking the chicken nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking and consistent results.

Invest in a good quality buffalo wing sauce: Using a high-quality buffalo wing sauce can enhance the flavor of the dish, reducing the need for additional seasoning.

Customize toppings: Experiment with different cheese combinations and additional toppings to create unique flavor profiles and cater to personal preferences.

Substitute Ingredients For Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe

chicken nuggets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken nuggets, providing a similar texture and absorbing the buffalo wing sauce well.
buffalo wing sauce - Substitute with hot sauce mixed with melted butter: This combination can replicate the tangy and spicy flavor of buffalo wing sauce, providing a similar heat and richness to the dish.
ranch dressing - Substitute with blue cheese dressing: Blue cheese dressing offers a tangy and creamy flavor similar to ranch dressing, complementing the spicy buffalo flavor of the dish.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and slightly salty flavor similar to feta, adding a creamy and rich element to the dish.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor similar to mozzarella, providing a gooey and melty texture when used in the recipe.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese offers a similar sharpness and meltability to cheddar, adding a spicy kick to the dish.

Best Way to Present Hot Buffalo Chicken Inspired by Domino's

Elevate the plating: Arrange the hot buffalo chicken nuggets in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each piece is positioned thoughtfully on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or a drizzle of bright hot sauce to add visual interest and contrast to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, creating a sense of balance and sophistication in the presentation.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as a delicate celery slaw or crispy kale chips, to provide a textural contrast to the tender chicken nuggets.
Incorporate height: Experiment with varying heights by stacking the nuggets or incorporating edible garnishes like microgreens to add dimension to the overall presentation.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Buffalo Chicken

Allow the hot buffalo chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, follow these steps:
1. Wrap the cooled chicken nuggets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Place the wrapped nuggets in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
3. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality and flavor.
To reheat frozen hot buffalo chicken:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the desired number of chicken nuggets from the freezer and unwrap them.
3. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken nuggets in the microwave, but the texture of the cheese and chicken may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

How To Reheat Leftover Buffalo Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hot buffalo chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the chicken and the gooeyness of the cheese.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover hot buffalo chicken. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. The air fryer will help crisp up the chicken and melt the cheese quickly.
For a quick and easy method, you can use your microwave to reheat the leftover hot buffalo chicken. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it may become rubbery or tough.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your leftover hot buffalo chicken, you can reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of buffalo wing sauce or ranch dressing to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help infuse the chicken with extra flavor and keep it moist.

Random Fact About Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo wing sauce is named after the city of Buffalo, New York, where it was first created. It's a combination of hot sauce, butter, and other seasonings, and it's a popular choice for adding a spicy kick to chicken dishes.

Is Making Domino's-Style Buffalo Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this hot buffalo chicken recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable ingredients and yields a satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of chicken nuggets as a base keeps the cost down, while the combination of buffalo wing sauce and cheeses adds flavor without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8.

Is This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for hot buffalo chicken nuggets is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredient, chicken nuggets, are typically high in fat and calories due to being breaded and fried.
Buffalo wing sauce is often high in sodium and may contain unhealthy additives.
Ranch dressing is high in fat and calories, especially if it's a store-bought variety.
The recipe calls for three different types of cheese, which can contribute to a high saturated fat content.
There are no vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients included in the recipe.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use grilled or baked chicken breast pieces instead of breaded and fried nuggets to reduce the fat and calorie content.
Opt for a low-sodium, homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, butter, and spices to control the ingredients and reduce the sodium content.
Replace the ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dip to lower the fat content and increase the protein.
Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose low-fat varieties to decrease the saturated fat content.
Add vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
Serve the buffalo chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the hot buffalo chicken nuggets while still enjoying the bold flavors.

Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Creation

This hot buffalo chicken recipe inspired by Domino's is a delightful twist on classic buffalo chicken. The combination of buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and a trio of cheeses creates a rich and flavorful dish. The baking process allows the cheese to melt and form a crispy, golden crust, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. The result is a mouthwatering blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors that will surely impress your guests. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that captures the essence of comfort food with a touch of pizzazz.

Enhance Your Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese, topped with chives for a burst of freshness.

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and fluffy garlic-infused breadsticks brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a blend of Italian herbs for a savory kick.

Similar Recipes to Hot Buffalo Chicken Inspired by Domino's

Spicy Beef Tacos: Create a flavorful marinade for the beef by combining spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook the beef until it's tender and juicy, then assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of mango, lime juice, and cilantro for a tropical twist. Grill or bake the chicken until it's cooked through, then top it with a fresh and vibrant mango salsa.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Sauté mushrooms and onions until they're golden brown and fragrant. Stir in Arborio rice and slowly add in warm chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the risotto is creamy and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Hot Buffalo Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game by topping crispy baguette slices with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. Serve as a refreshing and light starter for any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a rich, decadent chocolate lava cake oozing with warm, gooey chocolate in the center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy, velvety texture of a classic strawberry cheesecake topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

Why trust this Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious take on a classic favorite, perfect for any chicken lovers. The combination of tangy buffalo wing sauce and creamy ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering flavor that will surely satisfy your cravings. The addition of feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese brings a rich and indulgent element to the dish. With a quick and easy preparation, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful appetizer or meal that you can trust for its bold and irresistible taste.

Have you tried this Hot Buffalo Chicken (Domino's Copycat) Recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your own twists in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How spicy is this hot buffalo chicken recipe?

The spiciness of this hot buffalo chicken recipe can be adjusted based on your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the level of heat.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken nuggets?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken pieces instead of chicken nuggets. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What can I serve with this hot buffalo chicken?

This hot buffalo chicken can be served with a side of crispy celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble and bake the dish just before serving to ensure the cheese is crispy and melted.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can use breaded and baked cauliflower florets instead of chicken nuggets and follow the same steps for coating and baking with the buffalo sauce and cheese.