Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Tender and juicy chicken thighs are coated in a spicy, buttery buffalo sauce that’s perfect for any casual meal or game day snack. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.
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.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Step 3: Lightly brush a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking oil. Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the pan. Bake for 12 minutes.
- Step 4: While the chicken bakes, prepare the buffalo sauce. Mix the white vinegar into the cornstarch until smooth. In a small saucepan, whisk together the hot sauce, butter, cornstarch paste, Worcestershire sauce, and additional garlic powder.
- Step 5: Heat the sauce over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil, then remove from heat. Whisk vigorously until well combined or use a hand blender for a smooth texture.
- Step 6: After 12 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Pour about three-quarters of the buffalo sauce over the thighs, turning them with tongs to coat thoroughly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 6 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Step 7: 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 thighs for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Adjust the heat by using a milder hot sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer, but increase baking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo experience.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven to maintain juiciness. The buffalo sauce can also be reheated separately and added fresh before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating to keep them moist.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
Dredging in flour helps create a light crust that holds the buffalo sauce better and adds texture, but you can skip this step if you prefer a lighter coating.
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Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy twist on classic buffalo wings, featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a crispy seasoned flour and smothered in a tangy homemade buffalo sauce. Perfectly baked for a crispy outside and tender inside, they make an easy and delicious main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken thighs.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is lightly and evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange for Baking: Brush a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking, then place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the pan.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to start cooking and crisp the coating.
- Mix Cornstarch Paste: While chicken bakes, stir the white vinegar into the cornstarch until it forms a smooth paste, which will help thicken the buffalo sauce.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the hot sauce, butter, cornstarch paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a boil, then remove from heat.
- Emulsify Sauce: Using a whisk or hand blender, vigorously combine the sauce ingredients to create a smooth, well-emulsified buffalo sauce.
- Coat Chicken in Sauce: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and pour about ¾ of the buffalo sauce over them. Use tongs to turn and coat each thigh evenly with sauce.
- Finish Baking: Return the coated chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 6-10 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Serve: Serve the baked buffalo chicken thighs warm, tossing them with the remaining buffalo sauce or serving extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F for food safety.
- The coating flour mixture gives the chicken a slight crisp without deep frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- The cornstarch and vinegar paste thickens the buffalo sauce for better coating consistency.
- You can use a hand blender to make the sauce extra smooth and emulsified.
- If preferred, you can bake the chicken thighs on a wire rack set inside the pan for even cooking and extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken thighs, baked buffalo chicken, spicy chicken thighs, boneless chicken recipe, easy buffalo sauce
