The bold flavor of buffalo sauce meets the crispy, savory richness of oven-roasted chicken thighs in this irresistible dinner classic. These Buffalo Chicken Thighs pack just the right amount of heat with a buttery finish that balances the spice beautifully. Perfect for game night, a casual dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is quick to make and even quicker to disappear. You’ll love the contrast of crunchy skin and juicy meat plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low carb, making it great for a variety of diets.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
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1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top of a baking tray.
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Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
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In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder.
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Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
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Arrange the thighs skin-side up on the wire rack or parchment-lined tray.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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While the chicken is baking, combine hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined and warmed through.
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Once chicken is done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Brush or toss the thighs in the buffalo sauce. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 335 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Hero
Buffalo Chicken Thighs are the spicy, savory solution to your weeknight dinner rut. Packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and naturally low in carbs, this dish checks all the boxes: bold taste, juicy texture, and ease of preparation. It’s a variation on the beloved buffalo wing, but with more meat, more juiciness, and far less mess. The crispy skin, tender interior, and rich buttery heat of the sauce all combine into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as good for entertaining as it is for meal prepping. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a standout and why it deserves a regular spot on your menu.
Why Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs often take a back seat to breasts in mainstream cooking, but they’re the true MVPs of the poultry world. With more fat and connective tissue, thighs cook up juicier and more flavorful. When left bone-in and skin-on, they also crisp up beautifully in the oven especially when you use a key ingredient like baking powder (aluminum-free, of course) to help draw out moisture and boost crispiness.
Unlike breasts, which can dry out if overcooked by even a few minutes, chicken thighs are far more forgiving. This makes them an ideal choice for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Plus, they’re generally more affordable, making this a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
The Secret to That Signature Buffalo Flavor
Buffalo sauce is simple yet iconic: a mix of hot sauce, butter, and a few additions like vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for depth. In this recipe, Frank’s RedHot Sauce is the preferred base its balance of heat and tang is unmatched. Melted butter smooths out the heat, giving the sauce that silky, rich mouthfeel that clings to the chicken like a dream.
The inclusion of apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce, while a touch of Worcestershire adds umami and depth. Tossing or brushing the thighs with this warm, spicy glaze after roasting ensures maximum flavor without compromising that crispy skin.
Pro tip: If you like extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce variant to crank things up.
Crispy Skin, Every Time
The texture contrast is what elevates this recipe above others. The trick to perfectly crispy skin is simple: dry the chicken thoroughly and use baking powder in the spice rub. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so patting the thighs dry with paper towels is essential. The baking powder raises the pH of the chicken skin, helping it brown faster and crunchier while baking.
Cooking at a high temperature 425°F (220°C) ensures that the skin crisps up quickly without drying out the meat underneath. Using a wire rack over a baking tray also promotes even air circulation, which is the secret to that all-over crisp you typically only get with fried chicken.
Nutrition and Dietary Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious it’s also a great fit for several popular dietary lifestyles. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. It’s also low in carbohydrates, which makes it a great fit for ketogenic and paleo-style diets.
Each serving provides a solid dose of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. With the right sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice, this can be a well-rounded and nutrient-dense meal.
And since the sauce is homemade, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body no preservatives or hidden sugars like in store-bought buffalo sauces.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Buffalo Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are a few ideas to round out your plate:
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Cauliflower Mash – Creamy and low-carb, this is a perfect stand-in for mashed potatoes.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their bitterness is beautifully balanced by the heat of the buffalo sauce.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges – If you’re not counting carbs, the sweetness of these contrasts the spice wonderfully.
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Classic Celery and Blue Cheese – An homage to the traditional buffalo wing pairing, this adds crunch and creaminess.
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Keto Ranch Slaw – Crunchy, refreshing, and a cooling balance to the heat.
Buffalo Chicken Thighs are also ideal for meal prepping. They reheat well and maintain much of their texture and flavor, especially when warmed in an air fryer or oven.
Kid-Friendly and Easily Adjustable
Think buffalo chicken is too spicy for the whole family? Not necessarily! The heat level of this dish is easily adjustable. Just reduce the amount of hot sauce and up the butter for a milder version. Or serve the sauce on the side, allowing picky eaters to dip as they wish.
You can even make multiple versionsone batch with regular buffalo sauce and one with a milder or even barbecue-style glaze. The base preparation of the chicken thighs stays the same, so it’s easy to accommodate everyone at the table.
Entertaining with Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or planning a backyard BBQ, Buffalo Chicken Thighs can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd. They’re more substantial than wings and less fussy to eat, which means guests can enjoy them with fewer napkins and more flavor.
You can serve them as the main course or chop them up for wraps, salads, and sliders. Add toothpicks and plate them with a drizzle of sauce and crumbles of blue cheese for an upscale appetizer twist.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Here are a few bonus tips to help you perfect your Buffalo Chicken Thighs:
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Dry Thoroughly: Moisture prevents browning, so don’t skip this step.
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Wire Rack = Crispy Skin: Elevating the chicken lets hot air circulate and crisps all sides.
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Toss Gently: Be careful when coating the thighs in sauce to maintain the crisp skin.
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Watch the Oven: Oven temps can vary start checking for doneness at 40 minutes.
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Let Rest: A 5-minute rest after baking allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
Conclusion:
Buffalo Chicken Thighs are more than just a recipe they’re a flavorful experience. From the sizzling skin to the zesty, buttery sauce, this dish is everything we love about comfort food with a fiery twist. It’s easy enough for weeknights, satisfying enough for a dinner party, and flexible enough to fit a variety of dietary needs.
Whether you’re a spice lover looking for your next crave-worthy meal or someone looking to impress with a crowd-pleaser, these Buffalo Chicken Thighs deliver every time. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again not just because they’re simple, but because they’re downright addictive.