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This buffalo chicken thigh recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy meal with minimal effort. The crispy skin and tender meat get elevated with the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce that will satisfy your wing cravings without the mess.
I discovered this recipe during football season when I was looking for a tidier alternative to traditional wings. My family now requests these buffalo chicken thighs for every game day gathering and random Tuesday nights alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best texture and flavor
- Buffalo Sauce: Provides that classic tangy kick without being overwhelming
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish
- Chili Powder: Adds depth and mild heat to the spice rub
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully
- Baking Powder: The secret ingredient that helps achieve extra crispy skin
- Garlic Powder: Offers aromatic depth without burning like fresh garlic would
- Onion Powder: Adds savory notes that balance the heat
- Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and complexity
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount to control your desired heat level
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub:
- Combine salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. This blend creates the perfect foundation for crispy, flavorful chicken.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This critical step ensures the spice rub adheres properly and helps achieve crispy skin. Coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture, making sure to get under the skin and on all sides.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for optimal cooking. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down first and cook for 12 minutes. This initial position renders some fat from the skin. Flip the thighs to skin side up and continue cooking for 12-14 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is delightfully crispy.
- Oven Method:
- For oven baking, arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet, preferably with a rack to allow air circulation. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Keep the skin side up the entire time to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Sauce Application:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, either toss the thighs in buffalo sauce for complete coverage or drizzle the sauce over the top to maintain maximum crispiness. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
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The smoked paprika is truly the unsung hero in this recipe. I discovered its importance accidentally when I ran out once and used regular paprika instead. The difference was remarkable enough that my husband immediately noticed something was missing. Now I keep an extra jar just for this dish.
Temperature Tips for Perfect Results
Getting the temperature right ensures juicy chicken with crispy skin every time. For bone-in chicken thighs, always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F measured at the thickest part away from the bone. If your thighs are particularly large, you might need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat before cutting.
Make It Your Own
This recipe serves as a fantastic base that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. For a sweeter buffalo flavor, add a tablespoon of honey to your buffalo sauce. If you prefer extreme heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub. For a tangier profile, mix in a teaspoon of vinegar with your buffalo sauce before coating the chicken.
Perfect Pairings
These buffalo chicken thighs shine when served with classic accompaniments. Prepare a simple blue cheese dressing for dipping or drizzling. Fresh celery and carrot sticks provide a cooling crunch that balances the spicy chicken. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw. Mashed potatoes or mac and cheese make indulgent sides that complement the buffalo flavor beautifully.
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Enjoy these buffalo chicken thighs as a mess-free way to satisfy your wing cravings!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs typically cook faster - about 8-10 minutes in an air fryer or 20-25 minutes in an oven. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Thighs?
These Buffalo Chicken Thighs pair perfectly with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks. Other great sides include coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad.
- → Why add baking powder to the spice rub?
Baking powder helps create a crispier skin by changing the chicken skin's pH level, allowing it to brown and crisp more effectively during cooking. It's a secret ingredient for extra crispy chicken!
- → Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Thighs less spicy?
Absolutely! To reduce the spiciness, you can omit the cayenne pepper from the spice rub and mix your buffalo sauce with a bit of butter or ranch dressing to mellow out the heat while maintaining flavor.
- → How can I tell when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer - chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink when cut into.
- → Can I make the spice rub in advance?
Yes! You can mix the spice rub ingredients in a small jar and store it in your pantry for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep quicker and ensures you always have seasoning ready for chicken dishes.