Buffalo Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 thighs
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Calories
287 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Buffalo Chicken Thighs
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- First, preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a pan with parchment paper or tin foil.
- Add chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a zippered bag. Toss until completely combined.
- Place chicken thighs on lined pan. Do not overlap.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken is slightly crispy on top and internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meanwhile, add buffalo sauce and butter to a skillet over low heat. Heat until butter has melted, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
- When chicken is done cooking, remove from oven. Brush sauce over chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a zippered bag. Toss until completely combined.
- Place chicken thighs on air fryer pan. Do not overlap.
- Air fry for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, add buffalo sauce and butter to a skillet over low heat. Heat until butter has melted, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.