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This buffalo chicken thigh recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a weeknight sensation with minimal effort. The secret lies in a flavorful spice rub that creates an irresistible crust, while tangy buffalo sauce adds that perfect punch of flavor without any complicated techniques.
I first made these buffalo chicken thighs during a busy week when I needed something quick but impressive. My family was so blown away by the flavor that it's now on permanent rotation in our meal planning.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: fresh bone-in and skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe
- Buffalo Sauce: the tangy vinegar base cuts through the richness of the chicken thighs beautifully
- Salt: enhances all the other flavors in the dish while helping create a crispy exterior
- Chili Powder: adds mild heat and depth of flavor without overwhelming spiciness
- Smoked Paprika: brings a subtle smokiness that makes these taste like they came from a grill
- Baking Powder: the secret ingredient that helps create extra crispy skin
- Garlic Powder: delivers aromatic garlic flavor without burning like fresh garlic
- Onion Powder: adds savory background notes that round out the flavor profile
- Black Pepper: provides gentle heat and complexity
- Cayenne Pepper: gives just enough kick to complement the buffalo sauce
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the Spice Rub:
- Combine all spice ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly until completely integrated. This step ensures even distribution of flavors and prevents any bitter pockets of spice.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin. Generously coat all sides of chicken with the prepared spice rub, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Preheat Your Cooking Device:
- For air fryer method set to 190°C or 375°F and allow to preheat fully. For oven baking preheat to the same temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Place chicken thighs in preheated air fryer with skin side down and cook for 12 minutes. This initial position allows some fat to render out. Flip to skin side up and continue cooking for another 12 to 14 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F.
- Oven Baking Method:
- Place chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C or 165°F. Keeping the skin side up the entire time allows it to get beautifully crisp.
- Add Buffalo Sauce:
- Once chicken is perfectly cooked either toss the thighs in buffalo sauce for full coverage or drizzle sauce over the top for a more controlled amount of heat and tanginess.
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My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the smoked paprika. I discovered its transformative power years ago when a Spanish friend insisted I use it instead of regular paprika. The depth it adds makes these chicken thighs taste like they spent hours on a smoker rather than minutes in your kitchen.
Storage Instructions
These buffalo chicken thighs keep surprisingly well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating place them in an air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 180°C or 350°F to recrisp the skin. The microwave works in a pinch but will sacrifice the crispy exterior.
Make It Your Own
While this recipe is perfect as written you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences. For a milder version use a mix of buffalo sauce and melted butter. Craving more heat Add extra cayenne to the spice mix or use a spicier buffalo sauce. The spice rub also works beautifully with chicken wings or drumsticks just adjust cooking times accordingly.
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Perfect Pairings
These buffalo chicken thighs shine when served with cooling sides that complement their heat. Classic blue cheese dressing makes an excellent dipping sauce. For sides consider crisp celery sticks a simple green salad or cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. If carbs aren't a concern these pair beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Understanding Buffalo Sauce
Traditional buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo New York and is typically a combination of hot sauce usually Franks RedHot and butter. Most store bought versions maintain this flavor profile while adding stabilizers. The tangy vinegar base cuts through the richness of chicken thighs perfectly while adding that distinctive buffalo wing flavor that Americans have loved since the 1960s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve a crispy coating on the chicken thighs?
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove moisture, and generously coat them with the prepared spice rub that includes baking powder. This ensures a crispy texture during cooking.
- → Can I make these chicken thighs in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these thighs in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes. Place them skin side up and avoid flipping them for a crispy exterior.
- → What makes the spice blend flavorful?
The spice blend includes chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, which add smoky, spicy, and savory notes to the chicken thighs.
- → Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, these buffalo chicken thighs are low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them a suitable option for various dietary preferences.
- → Can I adjust the level of heat in the spice blend?
Absolutely. You can reduce the cayenne pepper for less heat or increase it for a spicier flavor. Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.