These Buffalo Chicken Thighs are made using only 7 ingredients in just 35 minutes. Prepare a sizzling buffalo marination, bake and toss them again in the spicy buffalo sauce for an added kick. Make it in an oven or an air fryer.
If you are a fan of buffalo sauce chicken wings then this recipe is going to be your new favorite because you'll like them better the wings.
Enjoy them as is or along with other plenty of serving options.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This buffalo thighs are super simple and easy to make using only 7 ingredients and 35 minutes.
- These chicken pieces are crispier outside and super moist, soft and juicy from the inside.
- It is a low carb and high protein recipe just like these Lemon Pepper Drumsticks.
- Serve them with a variety of side dishes like masala fries, peri peri mayonnaise or tuna corn salad.
Ingredients
- Buffalo Sauce (or Hot Sauce) is the hero of this recipe. I prefer Frank's hot sauce.
- Chicken thighs with bones and skin give perfect flavor.
- Olive oil keeps the chicken juices intact.
- Garlic (chopped) adds a pronounced flavor.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute Olive oil with Avocado oil or melted butter.
- Out of chopped garlic? Feel free to use garlic powder.
- Add ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the marination for an added flavor.
This recipe hasn't undergone testing with alternative substitutions or variations. If you decide to replace or incorporate any ingredients, we'd appreciate hearing about your experience. Please share your feedback in the comments section below!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Detailed Instructions Below! See the key steps here, then head to the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Mix all the spices and oil in a bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce and leave it in the fridge for an hour.
3. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack over baking tray.
4. Bake at 425 F preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these chicken pieces with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Celery sticks go well on the side as well.
- Take tacos and wraps, add mayonnaise, salad leaves and fill them with shredded chicken thighs. They are delicious.
Air Frying Method
Preheat the air fryer at 380 F, place the chicken pieces on the air fryer basket in a single layer and let it cook for about 20 - 22 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces half way around at 10 minutes to ensure crispy skin on the top.
Expert Tips
- Pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with a paper towel or kitchen towel to remove the excess moisture from the thighs. The drier the chicken thighs are the better the result is.
- Crispier Skin: For a crispier skin broil the chicken thighs for 2 - 3 minutes at high speed once they are baked.
- Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken thighs are baked, dip them in another 2 - 3 tablespoon of Buffalo Sauce to add an extra kick to these thighs.
Recipe FAQs
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. If the temperature is 165 F then your chicken is properly cooked and is tender from inside. For crispy chicken thighs make sure they have a golden brown color. You can achieve this by broiling the chicken 2 - 3 minutes after they are done cooking.
For chicken skin to crisp up nicely during cooking, it's essential that it's dry. Regardless of whether you choose to rinse the chicken beforehand, ensuring the skin is thoroughly dried is key. Once you've taken the chicken out of its packaging (and washed it, if you prefer), gently pat each piece dry using paper towels and you will get crispy thighs.
How to Store
Refrigerator
Place the thighs in an air tight jar and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
The leftover chicken thighs can be placed in an air tight container or a ziploc bag. Then place them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer at 400 F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and bake for about 4 - 5 minutes.
- Oven: Place the leftover thighs on the baking tray and place it in the preheated oven at 400 F. Bake for 6 - 8 minutes until heated completely.
- Microwave: Place the chicken thighs in the microwave and heat in 30 seconds intervals till heated completely.
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Related Chicken Recipes
Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Baking Tray
- large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (with bones and skin)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (26 g)
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce or hot sauce (14 g)
- 2 clove garlic (10 - 13 g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (1.3 g)
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper (1.3 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the access fat from the chicken pieces.
- Take a large bowl and add all the spices and olive oil in it. Mix until combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and stir.
- Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for an hour.
- Preheat the oven at 425 F.
- Cover a baking dish with foil and place a wire rack over it.
- Take out the chicken pieces and place them on the wire rack.
- Place the baking tray in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until the chicken is soft and tender.
- Use a thermometer and insert in the middle of one piece. The internal temperature should be about 165 F.
- To get a crispier skin, broil at high speed for 2 - 3 minutes.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with a paper towel or kitchen towel to remove the excess moisture from the thighs. The drier the chicken thighs are the better the result is.
- Crispier Skin: For a crispier skin broil the chicken thighs for 2 - 3 minutes at high speed once they are baked.
- Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken thighs are baked, dip them in another 2 - 3 tablespoon of Buffalo Sauce to add an extra kick to these thighs.
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