Crispy Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Creamy Avocado: Your Ultimate Spicy & Sweet Dinner
Melbourne winters can be brutally cold, and sometimes, only a fiery kick can truly warm you up from the inside out. Lately, the chill has been so intense that my kitchen has become a sanctuary for bold, comforting flavors. That’s precisely how these incredible Crispy Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Avocado came to life! While “a little spice” might seem an understatement when we’re talking about Buffalo flavor, trust me, this recipe delivers the perfect amount of heat, beautifully mellowed by a secret ingredient – barbecue sauce and, of course, creamy avocado.
The inspiration for this culinary adventure actually struck through my brilliant daughter. Like many teenagers, she’s constantly scrolling through Instagram, and one day, a tantalizing image of Buffalo wings caught her eye. Suddenly, she was overcome with an intense craving, practically clawing at my shirt and begging for an all-out KFC Zinger binge. My response? “Oh, hell no, child…”
How she connected “Buffalo” to “Zinger,” I’ll never know. Perhaps it’s just the wild, wonderful, and slightly illogical world of teenage hormones! But her craving sparked an idea, a challenge to create something even better, healthier, and more delicious than fast food.
The Journey to the Ultimate Barbecue Buffalo Fusion
My own experience with Buffalo wings dates back a few years to a trip to NYC. Back then, I was a mild-ish fan, much younger, and somewhat ignorant of just how versatile Buffalo chicken could be. In Australia, Buffalo flavors weren’t (or aren’t) as common or readily available compared to the abundance found in American restaurants and diners. This meant that developing a truly authentic and delicious Buffalo recipe at home required a bit of creativity and experimentation.
Remembering the distinct flavor profile from my NYC adventure and poring over countless recipes, I eventually settled on a concoction inspired by the “voices in my head” – a brilliant fusion of classic barbecue sauce and spicy Buffalo flavor. And oh, hello! This combination was a revelation.
Why This Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
As a food blogger, there’s an unspoken rule: every recipe must undergo rigorous taste-testing before it’s unleashed upon the ‘wild’ web. And let me tell you, this one was no exception. I tested it three times, each iteration bringing me closer to perfection. The result? A dish potent enough to awaken even the most innocent taste buds, launching them into a sinful and fiery rage of rich Buffalo flavor, expertly balanced with the subtle sweetness and tang of barbecue sauce. Served alongside cool, creamy avocado slices, it’s a symphony of textures and temperatures designed to tame the delicious heat. This dish wasn’t just a hit; it was a flaming success!
Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe offers several compelling reasons to make it a staple in your kitchen:
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The marriage of spicy Buffalo and smoky-sweet barbecue creates a unique and addictive taste that’s far more complex than either sauce alone.
- Perfectly Crispy Skin: We’ll guide you through the technique to achieve gorgeously crispy chicken skin, a non-negotiable for truly satisfying chicken thighs.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor.
- Nutritional Balance: Paired with healthy avocado, this meal offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and just enough carbs to keep you satisfied.
- Versatile Serving Options: While avocado is a match made in heaven, these chicken thighs are also fantastic in salads, wraps, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
And for those rare occasions when you might have leftovers (though let’s be honest, it’s highly unlikely with a dish this delicious), you can easily transform them into something equally spectacular, like a fresh and zesty Garlic Lime BBQ Chicken Salad. Honestly, what could possibly top that? Oh, so cheesy, Karina, but it’s true!
Mastering Your Crispy Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs
The Perfect Sauce: A Blend of Heat and Sweet
The magic of this recipe truly lies in its incredible sauce. We start with Frank’s RedHot Sauce, the quintessential base for any authentic Buffalo flavor, known for its balanced heat and tangy notes. To this, we add melted butter, which not only mellows the spice but also adds richness and helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the chicken. The star of our fusion, barbecue sauce, introduces that crucial element of sweetness and smoky depth, elevating the classic Buffalo profile into something truly unique and irresistible. Minced garlic and onion powder contribute aromatic layers, while a touch of cayenne pepper (or chili powder/flakes) allows you to dial up the heat to your personal preference. A splash of white vinegar brightens the sauce, and a teaspoon of granulated sweetener or sugar (optional, but highly recommended) enhances the barbecue notes, creating a perfectly rounded flavor. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to tie all these wonderful flavors together!
Achieving Ultimate Crispy Skin
Crispy chicken skin is non-negotiable for a truly satisfying chicken thigh experience. Our method involves a two-pronged approach: pan-frying and broiling. First, the chicken thighs are browned in a hot skillet. This initial sear renders out some of the fat and starts building that glorious crispy crust. Then, transferring them to the oven under the grill (broiler) setting allows the skin to reach peak crispiness without overcooking the meat. The high, direct heat caramelizes the sauce and makes the skin irresistibly crunchy. Make sure your pan is on the middle shelf, allowing enough distance from the heat to prevent burning while still ensuring even browning and crisping.
The Cooling Counterpart: Creamy Avocado
A spicy dish needs a perfect counterpoint, and in this recipe, it’s the humble yet mighty avocado. Its cool, creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the fiery chicken. Each bite of spicy, sweet chicken followed by smooth avocado is a delightful experience, taming the heat and making the entire meal incredibly satisfying. Don’t skip the avocado – it’s an essential element for balancing the flavors and completing the dish.
More Recipe Inspiration:
If you’re loving these flavors and looking for more delicious chicken ideas, check out these other favorites:
- 3-Ingredient Barbecue Soy Chicken Drumsticks
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings (Baked)
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Slow Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken
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Crispy Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Avocado
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chilli powder or chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar – optional, for added sweetness
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 6 fillets chicken thighs bone-in with skin for best flavor and crispiness
- 1 large Avocado sliced, for serving
Instructions
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1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). This high heat is crucial for ensuring crispy chicken skin.
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2. Make the Sauce: In a shallow bowl, combine the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, melted butter, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper (or chili powder/flakes), white vinegar, and the optional sweetener or sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. Carefully divide the sauce in half, reserving one portion in a separate small bowl, cup, or jug for later use. Add the chicken thighs to the first half of the sauce in the shallow bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For deeper flavor, you can let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
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3. Pan-Fry and Broil: Heat a large, oven-proof skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in batches (about two at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan) and fry until deeply browned and crispy on all sides, usually 3-5 minutes per side. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of crisping it, so be patient. Once browned, place all chicken thighs back into the same pan. Change your oven setting to “grill” (or “broil”) on medium-high heat. Position the pan on the middle rack of your oven and allow the chicken to continue cooking and crisping under the broiler until cooked through and the skin is beautifully golden and crunchy. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes, but cooking times can vary, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) with a meat thermometer.
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4. Serve: Once the chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked and perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Pour the reserved half of the sauce evenly over the hot chicken thighs. Serve immediately with generous slices of creamy avocado to balance the heat. Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken Cuts: While bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for the crispiest skin and juiciest meat, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken wings, adjusting cook times accordingly. Boneless thighs will cook faster.
Barbecue Sauce Choice: Any good quality barbecue sauce will work. Choose one that you enjoy the flavor of, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 8g |
Protein: 21g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 117mg |
Sodium: 660mg |
Potassium: 445mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 468IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 20mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tips for Success: Achieving Perfection Every Time
- Choose Bone-in, Skin-on Thighs: For the most flavorful and crispy results, opt for chicken thighs with both the bone and skin intact. The bone helps to keep the meat juicy, while the skin crisps up beautifully under high heat.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: The initial pan-frying step is crucial for rendering fat and starting that crispy crust. Don’t rush it!
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. An overcrowded pan lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of browning it, preventing a crispy exterior.
- Monitor Broiling Closely: Broilers can be intense and uneven. Keep a watchful eye on your chicken to ensure it browns evenly without burning. Rotate the pan if needed.
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor: While the recipe is quick, a short marinade (15-30 minutes) in the sauce can infuse even more flavor into the chicken.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
While these Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs are fantastic on their own with a side of creamy avocado, here are some ideas to round out your meal or explore new variations:
- Classic Accompaniments: Serve with celery sticks, carrots, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for a true Buffalo experience.
- Comforting Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, couscous, or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors.
- Creative Applications: Shred leftover chicken to make spicy Buffalo BBQ chicken sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or even a topping for nachos.
- Different Cuts: This sauce and method work wonderfully with chicken wings (adjust cooking time for smaller pieces) or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (reduce cooking time and be careful not to dry them out).
- Make it Spicier or Milder: Easily adjust the cayenne pepper or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or increase the BBQ sauce slightly.
- Air Fryer Method: For an alternative crispy method, you can also air fry the chicken thighs. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy. Brush with the reserved sauce during the last few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, so reduce your cooking time in the oven/broiler accordingly. You might not get the same level of crispiness without the skin, but they will still be incredibly flavorful.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight!
- Can I freeze these chicken thighs?
- Yes, cooked chicken thighs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
- What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
- Choose your favorite brand of barbecue sauce! A classic smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best to complement the tang and heat of the Buffalo sauce. Avoid overly vinegary or mustard-based BBQ sauces, as they might clash with the Buffalo flavor profile.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Most Frank’s RedHot Sauce and many barbecue sauces are naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels of your specific brands of hot sauce and barbecue sauce to ensure they are certified gluten-free if this is a concern.
Conclusion: A New Favorite for Your Dinner Table
These Crispy Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Avocado are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They bring together the best of bold, spicy Buffalo and comforting, sweet barbecue, creating a dish that’s both exciting and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re battling a cold winter’s night or simply craving a meal that packs a punch, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and offers that perfect balance of heat and creamy freshness. Don’t wait – fire up your oven and bring this flaming hit to your dinner table tonight!
