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Home / Recipes / Chicken Recipes / Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

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Author:

Kimber Matherne

Updated:

December 30, 2024

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Love Buffalo chicken? These Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs bring all that delicious Buffalo goodness in the form of tender baked chicken thighs, drenched in buttery, spicy Buffalo sauce. This is such a fast, versatile, EASY, and full-of-flavor way to make Buffalo chicken!

A white casserole dish full of Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs being scooped out with a silver utensil. this Recipe

Table of contents

Toggle
  • Why I LOVE this recipe!
  • Recipe Notes
  • Ingredients + Substitutions
  • Recipe Variations
  • Recipe Step by Step
  • Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Short Cuts
  • What to Serve with Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More EASY Chicken Recipes
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe

Spicy, buttery Buffalo flavor is so big, it deserves to be put in the spotlight. So I’ve taken the classic Buffalo wings appetizer and given it main-dish status with these juicy, full-of-flavor Buffalo boneless chicken thighs!

We are huge fans of Buffalo flavor in our house, and I’m always dreaming up new ways to serve it up. Buffalo chicken thighs, baked in the oven, is our new favorite way to enjoy the spicy goodness!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

  • Ready in under 30 minutes – All you need is 25 minutes total to whip up these Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs (and most of it is hands-off time!)
  • Easy to make – Just whisk up the amazing sauce, dredge the chicken in flour, bake, and sauce up your chicken. Super simple!
  • Easy to scale – Double or even triple your batch of Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs for parties or meal prep. This recipe is really easy to scale up!
  • Versatile – Once you’ve cooked up a batch of buffalo chicken thighs in the oven, you can enjoy it many different ways! Serve it up with a couple of cool side dishes, or make it into salad, sandwich, or dip (see the Leftover Recipes section for ideas!)

Recipe Notes

This Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs recipe is as simple as promised! Just 25 minutes for a family friendly meal.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

Ingredients for Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

For the chicken thighs:

  • Chicken – For these Buffalo chicken thighs, skinless boneless chicken is what I like to use. You’ll want two pounds, which is about eight thighs.
  • Flour – I suggest all-purpose flour. This is for dredging the chicken in, for a thin, crisp outer layer.
  • Garlic powder – Adds garlic flavor without having to chop up any garlic!
  • Salt & pepper
  • Cooking oil – For brushing your baking pan. Vegetable oil or olive oil both work well.

For the buffalo sauce:

  • Hot sauce – I like to use the classic Frank’s Red Hot sauce for Buffalo chicken thighs.
  • Butter – Melted butter is a classic ingredient in Buffalo sauce.
  • Vinegar – For a bit of a tangy kick.
  • Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce – Adds an extra savory note of flavor.
  • Garlic powder – For more even garlicky flavor!

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

  • Extra Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs– Use the spiciest hot sauce you have and add up to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Serve it up with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing!
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Ranch– Add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning to the sauce and drizzle Buffalo chicken thighs with creamy homemade ranch.
  • Honey Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs– Add 3 tablespoons of honey to the sauce for a sweet-and-spicy spin on Buffalo chicken thighs.
  • Buffalo Bone-In Chicken Thighs– Swap in bone-in chicken thighs for the boneless chicken thighs. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken thighs tend to cook faster.

Recipe Step by Step

I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs.

A blue saucepan with the buffalo sauce for baked buffalo chicken thighs.

Add the sauce ingredients to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Whisk vigorously to combine and set it aside.

Chicken is tossed in flour and seasonings for baked buffalo chicken thighs.

Combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl and dredge the chicken in it.

Chicken in a white baking dish, ready to bake for buffalo chicken thighs.

Brush your baking dish with oil and place the chicken in a single layer in the pan.

Baked chicken thighs in a white casserole dish, ready to be covered in sauce for baked buffalo chicken thighs.

Bake the chicken for 12 minutes.

Sauce is poured over baked chicken thighs in a white casserole dish.

Add 3/4 of the Buffalo sauce to the chicken and turn the chicken with tongs until well-coated. Return the chicken to the oven.

A top view of baked buffalo chicken thighs in a white casserole dish.

Bake until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Toss with remaining sauce or serve it alongside for dipping.

Recipe Tips

  1. Use an instant-read thermometer – A meat thermometer is the best way to know if your chicken is cooked all the way through. Stick the probe into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, and if the temp reads 165°F, it’s done!
  2. Try a hand mixer for the sauce – You can absolutely whisk the sauce together by hand, but I like to use a hand mixer to completely emulsify it.

Recipe Short Cuts

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!

  • Make ahead and freeze – Bake up a batch of Buffalo chicken thighs in the oven, let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. That way, it’s there waiting for whenever you have a craving for Buffalo chicken!
  • Prep ahead – One way I like to prep these baked boneless Buffalo chicken thighs ahead of time is to whip up a batch of my Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce to have at the ready. About half of the batch is perfect for this recipe. Just keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks until you’re ready to use it, then give it a quick warm-up in a saucepan or in the microwave before adding it to the chicken.
Sliced Buffalo Baked Chicken Thighs on a white plate with a salad alongside.

What to Serve with Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of spicy Buffalo sauce, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic side dishes.

Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

Side Dish Ideas

  • Garlic bread is the perfect thing to serve alongside buffalo chicken thighs! Try my BEST Ever Garlic Bread, Cheesy Garlic Bread, or even my Garlic Bread Pizza!
  • A crisp, fresh green salad is a nice cooling complement to the spicy Buffalo chicken. Try Italian House Salad, Classic Steakhouse Wedge Salad, or Kale Salad.
  • I love potatoes with this chicken, too! Try Ranch Smashed Potatoes, Garlic Parm Mashed Potatoes, or Oven-Baked Potato Wedges.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer up to a month

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

  • Buffalo Chicken Thigh Sandwich– Slather a soft bun with blue cheese or ranch dressing and add slices of leftover baked Buffalo chicken thighs. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, sliced red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.
  • Buffalo Chicken Thigh Casserole– Add leftover Buffalo chicken thighs to this Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole for a double dose of Buffalo flavor.
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip– Mix two to three cups of shredded leftover buffalo chicken with one block of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Stir in additional hot sauce, to taste. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.
  • Buffalo Chicken Salad– Stretch your leftovers by adding shredded Buffalo chicken thighs to this Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe.

Recipe FAQ’s

Where does Buffalo chicken come from?

Buffalo chicken was first invented in the mid 1900’s at a bar in Buffalo, NY.

Where to insert a thermometer in a chicken thigh?

You’ll want to insert your instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a boneless chicken thigh.

More EASY Chicken Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

  • Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole
  • Baked Chicken & Peppers
  • Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
  • Baja Chicken
  • Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
  • Baked BBQ Chicken
A white casserole dish full of Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs

By: Kimber Matherne
No ratings yet
Tender chicken thighs, baked, drenched in Buffalo sauce, and served up hot! This buttery, spicy chicken is so good as an entree but also versatile enough to be served up a variety of ways.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
4 servings
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Ingredients 

For the Chicken Thighs

  • 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

For the 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 

To bake the chicken thighs

  • Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
  • Combine the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture to lightly coat on all sides.
  • Brush a 9×13 inch pan with cooking oil. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the pan. Bake for 12 minutes.

To make the buffalo sauce

  • While the chicken is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by mixing the vinegar into the cornstarch until it is a smooth paste. Then whisk together the hot sauce, with the butter, cornstarch paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a small sauce pan.
  • Heat the buffalo sauce over medium high heat until it comes to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Whisk vigorously to combine. Alternately, use a hand blender to emulsify the sauce.
  • When the timer goes off, remove the chicken thighs and pour about ¾ of the buffalo sauce over them. Use tongs to turn the chicken thighs so they are coated on all sides with buffalo sauce and return to the oven.
    Cook for an additional 6-10 minutes or until they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
  • Once done, you can serve warm and toss with the extra buffalo sauce or use it for dipping.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

Substitutions: 
  • Chicken: Instead of boneless chicken thighs, you can sub boneless skinless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken thighs. Both of these may take more time to cook, so keep that in mind. 
How to Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
How to Freeze: This Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs recipe freezes well. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. 
How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat. 
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions. If doubling, you’ll want to be sure to use multiple baking dishes so that your chicken can be baked in a single layer. 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2chicken thighs, Calories: 449kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 10g (3%), Protein: 45g (90%), Fat: 25g (38%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 246mg (82%), Sodium: 1673mg (73%), Potassium: 631mg (18%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 0.5g (1%), Vitamin A: 459IU (9%), Vitamin C: 23mg (28%), Calcium: 31mg (3%), Iron: 3mg (17%)

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I’m Kimber. Mom of 3 and home cook.

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A white casserole dish full of Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs being scooped out with a silver utensil. The text reads, "Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs."
Buffalo sauce being drizzled out of a clear pitcher onto a plate full of Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs with a side salad. The text reads, "Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs."
Two images in a collage, the first showing Buffalo sauce being drizzled onto baked chicken thighs. The second shows a plate with buffalo baked chicken thighs served with a side salad. The text reads, "Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs."
A collage of two images, the first showing the ingredients for Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs, the second showing a white casserole dish full of chicken. The text reads, "Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs."
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A collage of four images showing how to make Buffalo baked chicken thighs. The text reads, "Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs."

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