Introduction
Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the heat of classic Buffalo wings to your dining table without the need for frying. These chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful spice blend, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a homemade Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, tangy flavors.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the chicken:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 8 pieces)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking oil for brushing the baking pan
For the Buffalo sauce:
– ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Enjoy your homemade Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush a baking pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the flour mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Dredge the chicken
Coat each chicken thigh evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken
Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 5: Bake the chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo sauce
While the chicken is baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Coat the chicken
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Using tongs, dip each chicken thigh into the prepared Buffalo sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Step 8: Serve
Place the sauced chicken thighs on a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
Notes
Note 1
Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
Note 2
Feel free to adjust the heat level of the Buffalo sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
Note 3
For a crispier texture, consider broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after coating in the sauce.
Note 4
This dish pairs well with various sides like salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Cook techniques
Preheating the oven
Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Setting it to the correct temperature ensures that the chicken will cook thoroughly and develop a crispy exterior.
Flour dredging
Dredging the chicken thighs in the flour mixture helps create a crispy coating. The flour absorbs moisture and allows the surface of the chicken to brown nicely when baked.
Baking
Baking the chicken thighs at a high temperature promotes browning and cooking through without drying out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making Buffalo sauce
The Buffalo sauce is created by combining ingredients in a saucepan. Stirring constantly allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken properly, providing a rich coating for the chicken.
Coating the chicken
Coating the baked chicken in the Buffalo sauce while it is still hot helps the sauce adhere better. This step ensures every piece is thoroughly covered with flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What type of hot sauce is best for this recipe?
Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for authentic Buffalo flavor, but you can use any hot sauce that you prefer.
Can I make the Buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo sauce in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to use.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, you can use a milder hot sauce or mix in additional melted butter to dilute the heat.
What can I serve with Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, a side salad, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Conclusion
Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a delicious and comforting dish that combines crispy, well-seasoned chicken with a spicy, tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying weeknight meal. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Buffalo Wings
Try making classic buffalo wings using similar ingredients. Simply replace the chicken thighs with chicken wings and follow the same baking and sauce-coating technique for a fantastic finger food option.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
After preparing your baked buffalo chicken thighs, shred the meat and use it in wraps. Combine it with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a satisfying meal.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Chop the baked chicken and toss it into a salad with mixed greens, celery, carrots, and your choice of dressing. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken in a lighter version.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Use the coated chicken thighs as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza. Add mozzarella cheese, red onions, and drizzle with buffalo sauce for a delightful twist on classic pizza.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Combine shredded buffalo chicken with cheese in tortillas, grill until crispy, and serve with salsa or sour cream for a tasty snack or meal option.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Make sliders by placing the baked buffalo chicken thighs on small buns with pickles and ranch dressing for an easy party appetizer or game day snack.
