Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo wing sauce for a flavorful twist on classic boneless wings. This chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chicken cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet and melt. Stir in 1/3 cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the buffalo sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce?

Chicken chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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