The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings features a crispy fried chicken breast tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, layered with creamy ranch dressing, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato on a soft, toasted bun, delivering a bold and satisfying flavor with a perfect blend of spicy and creamy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill
- Spatula
- Sheet tray or plate (for assembly)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 soft sandwich buns
Ensure the chicken breasts are fully submerged in buttermilk to tenderize and enhance juiciness before dredging in the seasoned flour mixture containing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use vegetable oil heated to 350degF in a deep fryer for crisp, evenly cooked chicken without excess oil absorption. Fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomato slices add necessary crunch and freshness, balancing the rich buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing in the sandwich. Toasting your sandwich buns on a grill or toaster helps prevent sogginess and adds a slight crisp texture to complement the filling. Enjoy creating this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat menu with these tips for best results and flavors.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- In a mixing bowl, marinate chicken cutlets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour, coating evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken cutlets in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Remove fried chicken and drain on wire rack.
- Toss fried chicken with buffalo sauce using a bowl, brush, or spoon.
- Toast sandwich buns on toaster or grill until golden.
- Spread ranch dressing on bottom buns.
- Layer lettuce and tomato slices on buns.
- Place buffalo-sauced chicken on top of veggies.
- Cover with top buns.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat menu is a perfect balance of crispy, spicy chicken and cool, creamy ranch dressing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar tang. When deep frying, ensure the oil temperature stays around 350degF for a crispy and evenly cooked chicken breast without greasiness. If a deep fryer is not available, pan-frying in a heavy skillet with enough oil to cover half the chicken's thickness works as an alternative. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping the breading crispier for your sandwich.
Tips
Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350degF (175degC) to ensure an evenly crispy chicken exterior without undercooking the inside. Marinating your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor absorption. Use a wire rack to drain the fried chicken, which helps avoid sogginess by preventing oil buildup. When assembling your sandwich, spreading ranch dressing on the warm toasted bun allows it to meld better with the buffalo sauce, balancing the heat and creamy textures for your perfect bite.
Nutritions
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich contains a mix of protein from the crispy fried chicken breast and healthy fats from the ranch dressing, while the buffalo sauce adds a moderate amount of sodium and spice. The sandwich also provides vitamins and fiber through fresh lettuce and tomato, contributing to a balanced meal. Depending on portion size and preparation, the sandwich can range from 500 to 700 calories, with carbohydrates from the toasted bun and flour coating. Your choice of sides and beverage will further influence the overall nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the fried chicken wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating it in an oven at 350degF (175degC) to retain crispiness. Your sandwich buns should be stored in a cool, dry place or wrapped and frozen if not used within two days to prevent staleness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk for marinating the chicken to add extra tanginess and moisture. To make the sandwich healthier, try baking the breaded chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 400degF for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying. Consider swapping romaine lettuce for peppery arugula or adding sliced pickles for a zesty crunch that complements the buffalo sauce. For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika in the flour mix and brush the toasted buns with melted butter infused with garlic before assembly.
Allergies
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and sandwich buns, as well as dairy in the buttermilk and ranch dressing. The sandwich also includes potential allergens like garlic and onion powder, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. You should check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant if you have food allergies before consuming this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings is loved for its perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing that creates a flavorful explosion in every bite. Crispy fried chicken paired with fresh lettuce and pickles delivers a satisfying crunch and texture that enhances the overall eating experience. Your taste buds will appreciate the combination of heat and coolness, making this sandwich a standout option on the menu. Trying to make a copycat version lets you enjoy this iconic taste at home, customizing the spice level and freshness exactly to your liking.