Buffalo Parmesan Chicken

This Buffalo Parmesan Chicken is rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold buffalo flavor. Juicy chicken thighs are baked in a buttery buffalo sauce, topped with cool ranch dressing and plenty of Parmesan cheese, then baked until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. It's an easy family dinner that's perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

50 to 55 minutes

Easy

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

☐ 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

☐ 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted

☐ 1 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce

☐ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

☐ ½ teaspoon garlic powder

☐ ½ teaspoon paprika

☐ ½ teaspoon black pepper

☐ 1 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)

☐ 1 cup ranch dressing

☐ 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or more if desired)

☐ Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pour the buffalo sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece well.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil. Spoon the ranch dressing evenly over each chicken thigh.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the ranch dressing.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
For an extra golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

RECIPE TIPS

Chicken thighs stay much juicier than chicken breasts in this recipe.
Freshly shredded Parmesan melts much better than the shelf-stable grated variety.
Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious buffalo sauce.
If you prefer extra heat, add another ¼ teaspoon cayenne or drizzle with additional hot sauce before serving.

🥶 STORAGE

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes. Pound them to an even thickness and reduce the cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a medium heat level. Reduce the cayenne for a milder version.
Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything except the ranch and Parmesan, refrigerate, then finish baking when ready.
What should I serve with it?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a side salad all pair well.