This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details.
Buffalo Chicken Thighs is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated and cooked in buffalo sauce for a deep-flavored dinner option that’s ready in 30 minutes! This dish is often served as a main course, appetizer, or party snack and is a favorite among spice lovers for its fiery kick and mouthwatering flavor.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs are one of those meals that can be a weeknight family special or served on a party tray for friends on game night. Whether served with crunchy celery sticks and cool, creamy dip or nestled on a bun for an incredible sandwich, these buffalo chicken thighs are a go-to comfort food. This recipe is one you will want to make over and over again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bold. Bold and tangy, the flavor of these thighs will have your tastebuds asking for more!
- It’s juicy. Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more tender cut than chicken breasts. And who doesn’t love a tender bite of chicken?
- Versatile: Requires minimal ingredients and fan be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.
- Perfect for Game Day: A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for watching sports or hosting gatherings.
Buffalo Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless and skinless thighs to shorten cooking time versus bone-in. You can certainly substitute other cuts of chicken, just be sure to adjust the cooking time and to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Seasonings: Garlic, oregano, salt and pepper give a good flavor base to the chicken thighs.
- Buffalo sauce: Mixing your favorite buffalo sauce with honey and butter will make for a deep flavor that’s not too hot.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack on top.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken thighs. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
Step 3: Season and coat. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasonings until the thighs are evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake chicken thighs. Place the prepared chicken thighs on the rack over the lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Prep the buffalo sauce. Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. Mix well and set it aside.
Step 6: Sauce the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush the thighs with the prepared buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Return to the oven. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Step 8: Garnish and serve. Once done, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Garnish the baked buffalo chicken thighs with fresh spring onions for added freshness and serve.
Tips To Make This Recipe
- Check Doneness: Use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165 degrees F.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to personal preference.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Cool vegetables like celery and carrots along with ranch or blue cheese dressing and coleslaw help balance the spiciness and are perfect for pairing with this buffalo chicken recipe. Add the chicken to a bun for a Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Perfect side options include Easy Mixed Vegetables, Air Fryer Red Potatoes, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes, and Crispy Air Fryer French Fries.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Allow the chicken to cool and then store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Freezing: Place the cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2 months.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker: Cook the thighs in a slow cooker with buffalo sauce on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
Air Fryer: Coat the thighs with buffalo sauce and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes for a crispy alternative to traditional frying.
Grilling: Place the buffalo chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baste with the buffalo sauce and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F without going beyond.
Yes, you can marinate and refrigerate the chicken before baking. Just allow extra time for baking if they’re cold from the fridge.
Increase or decrease the amount of buffalo sauce to adjust the heat level. You can also add more butter, honey or a splash of citrus.
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to hold up to bold flavors.
More Spicy Chicken Recipes
- Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Best Gochujang Chicken Bites
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo Chicken Thighs recipe is a zesty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and versatile cooking methods, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅓ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chopped spring onions, garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack on top.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasonings until the thighs are evenly coated.
- Place the prepared chicken thighs on the rack over the lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. Mix well and set it aside.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush the thighs with the prepared buffalo sauce.
- Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter.
- Garnish the baked buffalo chicken thighs with fresh spring onions for added freshness and serve.
Notes
- Check Doneness: Use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165 degrees F.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to personal preference.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
