Spicy Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin and Tangy Sauce

Perfectly juicy and tender chicken thighs finished in a spicy yet slightly sweet buffalo sauce. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something satisfying. These buffalo chicken thighs are packed with flavor and are delicious on their own, over a salad, or served with celery and carrot sticks.

buffalo chicken thighs on a plate with carrots and celery on the side

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • Easy and reliable. Roast the chicken thighs until the skin is golden and crispy, then toss them in a quick three-ingredient buffalo sauce. Simple steps, consistent results.
  • A family favorite. Served any way you like, these thighs disappear fast—great for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
  • Big flavor from a few ingredients. The combination of hot sauce, butter, and honey yields a bright, balanced sauce that complements the rich chicken.

Key Ingredients

Chicken Thighs – Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and crispiest skin. Boneless, skinless thighs will work in a pinch but won’t deliver the same texture.

Hot Sauce – A classic buffalo-style sauce works best; Frank’s RedHot is ideal for its consistency and heat level, but use your favorite hot sauce if preferred.

Honey – A small amount of honey balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup can be substituted if needed.

Chef’s Tips

  • Pat the thighs dry before cooking. Removing surface moisture helps the skin turn golden and crispy.
  • Adjust the heat to taste. For a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce and add a little more honey. For extra heat, increase the hot sauce and skip the honey.
  • Serve however you like. These thighs are excellent over a salad with ranch or blue cheese, or simply with raw celery and carrot sticks.
buffalo chicken thighs being dipped into sour cream

More Chicken Recipes You Must Try

  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
  • Air Fryer Chicken Legs
  • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
  • Chicken Parm Sandwich
  • Marry Me Chicken

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close up image of buffalo chicken thighs on a plate

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Perfectly juicy and tender chicken thighs finished in a spicy yet slightly sweet buffalo sauce. Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor.

Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large bowl

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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  • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While the chicken bakes, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl.
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  • Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle or brush the buffalo sauce over each thigh. Serve immediately.
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Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving
|
Calories: 392kcal
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Protein: 24g
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Fat: 30g
|
Saturated Fat: 9g
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Total Carbs: 5g

Nutrition values are estimates and apply to the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary with different brands or substitutions.

© Author: Cheryl Malik
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