Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

I love Buffalo chicken. This simple, flavorful Baked Buffalo Chicken is roasted in the oven and finished with an easy homemade sauce.

Buffalo sauce has always been a favorite in my family—my dad loves it, and as a kid I could eat my weight in baked buffalo wings. Over the years I’ve tried several buffalo recipes; simple ones like this baked buffalo chicken or my slow cooker shredded buffalo chicken sandwich are at the top of my list.

How to make Baked Buffalo Chicken:

Baked Buffalo Chicken is quick and straightforward. Season the chicken, make the buffalo sauce, brush most of the sauce over the chicken, then bake. The result is juicy chicken with a bright, spicy buffalo flavor.

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless work best for even cooking.
• Ranch seasoning packet: adds savory, herby flavor without extra prep.
• Butter: use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
• Hot sauce: adjust amount to taste for milder or spicier heat.

Directions:

Step one: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step two: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish and season them evenly with the ranch seasoning.

How to make Buffalo Sauce:

Step three: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and stir in the hot sauce until smooth and combined.

• Tip: Homemade buffalo sauce is quick and bright-tasting. If you prefer, use a store-bought sauce you already enjoy.

Baking Buffalo Chicken:

Step four: Brush about three quarters of the buffalo sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest to serve after baking.

• Tip: Nutrition estimates assume you use all of the sauce.

Step five: Bake the chicken for 30–40 minutes, or until cooked through. Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the breasts—use a thermometer when possible.

Step six: Remove from the oven and serve with the reserved buffalo sauce for extra flavor.

Baking the perfect chicken:

Oven baking can dry chicken if you aren’t careful. Aim for a safe internal temperature and the right timing for juicy results.

Cooking tips: The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Some cooks pull chicken at about 160°F and let it rest to finish cooking; either way, ensure it reaches a safe temperature.

Approximate times (vary with breast size): at 350°F (175°C) roast about 25–30 minutes; at 375°F (190°C) roast 20–25 minutes; at 400°F (200°C) roast 15–20 minutes. Always check with an instant-read thermometer for best results.

Can I use store-bought Buffalo Sauce?

Yes. Use your preferred brand if you like. I enjoy making my own buffalo sauce because it’s simple and fresh, but store-bought bottles work fine and save time.

What to serve with Baked Buffalo Chicken

This dish pairs well with classic sides: celery and carrot sticks are traditional, but potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad with ranch dressing are great choices. I also slice the chicken for kids who prefer it that way.

Other favorite recipes with Buffalo Sauce

Try buffalo chicken wraps, buffalo chicken soup, or buffalo chicken pinwheels for more ways to enjoy that spicy, tangy sauce in sandwiches, soups, and appetizers.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment below or share a photo with the hashtag #TDOARH.