Introduction

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs offer a deliciously spicy twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a crispy seasoned flour, baked, then tossed in a rich, tangy buffalo sauce for a perfect balance of heat and flavor. This easy recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
⅓ cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
½ cup hot sauce
¼ cup butter
½ tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, lightly coating all sides.
Step 3: Lightly brush a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the pan and bake for 12 minutes.
Step 4: While the chicken bakes, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar into the cornstarch until smooth. In a small saucepan, whisk together the hot sauce, butter, cornstarch mixture, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Heat the sauce over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Remove from heat and whisk vigorously or use a hand blender to emulsify the sauce.
Step 6: When the chicken has baked for 12 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour about three-quarters of the buffalo sauce over the chicken and use tongs to turn the thighs, coating them evenly.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 6-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
Step 8: Serve the chicken warm, tossing with the remaining buffalo sauce or using it as a dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Use bone-in thighs if preferred; increase baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Swap hot sauce varieties to adjust the heat level to your liking.
For a creamier sauce, add a splash of ranch or blue cheese dressing when serving.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain juiciness, and add extra buffalo sauce if needed to keep the flavor vibrant.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust baking time accordingly and monitor internal temperature carefully.

How can I make the buffalo sauce milder?

Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount used in the recipe. Adding a bit more butter or a splash of cream can also help tone down the heat.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 141 reviews

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs offer a deliciously spicy and tangy flavor with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Coated in a homemade buffalo sauce that balances heat with buttery richness, this easy oven-baked recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
⅓ cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil

Buffalo Sauce

½ cup hot sauce
¼ cup butter
½ tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken thighs.
Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
Coat Chicken: Dredge each boneless, skinless chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly but evenly coated on all sides.
Prepare Baking Pan: Brush a 9×13 inch baking pan with the cooking oil to prevent sticking and to help the chicken crisp up during baking.
Bake Chicken Initially: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared pan and bake them for 12 minutes. This starts the cooking and crisping process.
Make Buffalo Sauce Base: While the chicken bakes, mix the white vinegar with the cornstarch until it forms a smooth paste. This will help thicken the sauce.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the hot sauce, butter, cornstarch paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Cook Buffalo Sauce: Heat the sauce over medium-high heat until it boils. Once boiling, remove it from heat and whisk vigorously. Alternatively, use a hand blender to emulsify the sauce for a smooth consistency.
Coat Chicken in Sauce: When the initial baking time completes, remove the chicken and pour about three-quarters of the buffalo sauce over the thighs. Use tongs to turn and coat each piece thoroughly with sauce.
Finish Baking: Return the coated chicken thighs to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C), ensuring they are fully cooked and tender.
Serve: Serve the chicken warm. Toss with remaining buffalo sauce or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce to enhance flavor.

Notes

Ensure chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F for food safety.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy when checking chicken doneness.
Butter can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative to make the sauce lactose-free.
Leftover buffalo sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently for future use.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken thighs, baked buffalo chicken, spicy chicken recipe, easy dinner, chicken thighs buffalo sauce