Buffalo Chicken Thighs

User Reviews

5

33 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    35 mins

  • Total Time

    45 mins

  • Servings

    6 thighs

  • Calories

    287 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Buffalo Chicken Thighs feature bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and optional salt and pepper, baked or air fried until slightly crispy. They’re finished with a buttery buffalo sauce glaze and garnished with green onions. The result is richly flavored chicken with a crisp exterior and tender meat, suitable for a flavorful main dish.

Description

This Buffalo Chicken Thighs recipe starts with seasoning bone-in, skin-on thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The chicken is then cooked in the oven at 425°F or air fryer at 400°F until the skin crisps and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Both cooking methods aim for a balance of crispy skin and moist meat.

While the thighs cook, buffalo sauce is combined with butter over low heat to create a smooth glaze. After cooking, the sauce is brushed over the hot chicken thighs, coating the skin with a rich, tangy layer. Chopped green onions add a fresh garnish that complements the bold flavor.

These chicken thighs can be served as a main course alongside vegetables, salads, or sides. Using bone-in, skin-on thighs enhances flavor and texture, although they require slightly longer cooking times than boneless pieces. The recipe stresses using a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness and safe cooking.

Leftover thighs keep well chilled for up to four days and can be reheated for subsequent meals. Adjust spices to preference, but this blend provides a flavorful buffalo profile without overpowering the natural chicken taste.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 6 chicken thighs I used bone in, skin on
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • pinch salt optional, sea salt
  • pinch black pepper optional, ground
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • green onions to garnish

Instructions

Oven Method

  1. First, preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a pan with parchment paper or tin foil.
  2. Add chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a zippered bag. Toss until completely combined.
  3. Place chicken thighs on lined pan. Do not overlap.
  4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken is slightly crispy on top and internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Meanwhile, add buffalo sauce and butter to a skillet over low heat. Heat until butter has melted, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
  6. When chicken is done cooking, remove from oven. Brush sauce over chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Add chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a zippered bag. Toss until completely combined.
  3. Place chicken thighs on air fryer pan. Do not overlap.
  4. Air fry for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Meanwhile, add buffalo sauce and butter to a skillet over low heat. Heat until butter has melted, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
  6. When chicken is done cooking, remove from air fryer. Brush sauce over chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to boneless skinless; expect slightly longer cooking time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to promote crispy skin.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning amounts if you prefer more or less spice.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 287kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g (24%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 116mg (39%) Sodium 717mg (30%) Potassium 240mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 146IU (3%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6thighs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 287 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 287kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 116mg 39%
Sodium 717mg 30%
Potassium 240mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 146IU 3%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

33 reviews
Excellent

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