Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Crispy, spicy, and delicious, these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs are the perfect addition to any menu. They are bright, filled with flavor, and easy to prepare. Make these chicken thighs in 30 minutes and serve with fries, salad, and more.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! What more could you ask for? These chicken thighs will bring all the heat and are much easier to make than you probably think. With a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up these showstopping chicken thighs in no time!

There's something extra delicious about crispy chicken. You get a mouth-watering crunch from the skin followed by succulent, moist chicken flesh in every bite - yum! Usually, when people think of hot chicken, their go-to chicken part is wings, but I'm here to tell you that these chicken thighs are just as good, if not better. Chicken thighs are a meatier cut and can be served as a side or main.

Chicken is a popular protein choice because it is high in protein, easy to find and is relatively affordable. Plus it can be served with so many different things. I like to serve these tasty crispy thighs with sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes, three cheese mac n' cheese and more!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• These crispy buffalo chicken thighs are succulent on the inside and spicy and crispy on the outside!
• It can be served on various sides, such as fluff turmeric rice, easy Lebanese fattoush salad, and crispy accordion potatoes.
• Double or triple the crispy buffalo chicken thighs to feed more people.
• You can use any hot sauce of your choice to coat the chicken.

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Chicken thighs: For this recipe, select good-quality chicken thighs. If you are using frozen chicken thighs, allow them to thaw fully before you prepare the buffalo chicken thighs. You may also enjoy this juicy Sticky Oven Chicken Thighs BBQ.
• Baking powder: Don't skip the baking powder. It is added to the dry mixture to make the chicken thighs crispy outside.
• Paprika: Adds a delicious subtle heat to the chicken thighs.
• Garlic powder: This adds flavor to the chicken thighs.
• Onion powder: Gives the crispy buffalo chicken thighs more flavor.
• Oregano: Adds a subtle herby flavor to the chicken.
• Unsalted butter: Is added to the buffalo sauce to make it extra smooth.
• Buffalo sauce: Is used to coat the chicken thighs. Feel free to use any other hot sauce of your choice. If you prefer less heat then go for a milder hot sauce and if you want to up the heat then select an even hotter sauce.

Tips and Substitutions

• Baking powder: Is vital for this recipe as it gives the chicken thighs their notorious crispy skin on the outside. Make sure that the baking powder has not expired as this will affect the taste and crispiness of the chicken thighs. It is also important to note that baking powder can not be substituted with baking\bicarbonate soda as it has a strong metallic taste.
• Seasoning: The seasoning added to these chicken thighs is very simple. It includes salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and oregano. The chicken thighs do not need much seasoning because they are coated in the hot sauce which adds a lot of flavor once they are fried.
• Oil: Ensure you heat the oil at medium/high heat before frying the chicken thighs. To be specific the oil should be 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It is essential that the oil is not too hot as you don't want the chicken to burn or cook on the outside and not on the inside and the oil should not be too warm either because the chicken will soak up too much oil and cook too slowly.
• Hot sauce: I used buffalo sauce for this recipe, but you can use any hot sauce of your choice for this crispy buffalo chicken thigh recipe.
• Batches: Double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs

1. In a bowl, add baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, and black pepper to taste and stir until evenly combined.
2. Next, add chicken thighs to a separate bowl.
3. Add the dry mixture to the chicken thighs.
4. Mix the chicken with the dry ingredients.

5. Heat oil in a saucepan or deep fryer at medium/high heat and add chicken thighs. Tip: The temperature of the oil should be 350F/175C.
6. Cook on both sides for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and done.
7. As the chicken cooks, melt butter in another saucepan.
8. Pour in hot sauce. Stir the sauce on low heat for 3-5 minutes.

9. Once the chicken thighs are ready, place them on a plate with some paper towels to soak up excess oil from the chicken. You may also enjoy this Southern Fried Chicken without Buttermilk recipe.
10. Next, add the chicken thighs into the saucepan and coat them in buffalo sauce.
11. Then, coat one side of the chicken thighs in hot sauce.
12. Flip the chicken and coat the other side.

13. Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs with sour cream and garnish with fresh parsley. These delicious thighs can also be served with sweet potato fries, salad, red cabbage coleslaw, easy mashed potatoes and more. As an alternative, you may also enjoy this How to Make a Juicy Chicken Burger.

Recipe FAQs

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