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A plate of buffalo chicken thighs coated in tangy sauce, served with creamy ranch slaw made of green and purple cabbage, garnished with green onions and crumbled blue cheese on a rustic wooden table.

Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Creamy Ranch Slaw

TJ
This Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Creamy Ranch Slaw recipe is a bold, tangy, and keto-friendly dinner that combines spicy chicken thighs with a crunchy, refreshing cabbage slaw. The creamy homemade ranch dressing perfectly balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile. Ideal for closing out a long week, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and nutrition while keeping it simple with whole food ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Keto-Friendly
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet For roasting the chicken thighs evenly
  • Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup
  • Mixing Bowl (Large) For tossing the cabbage with ranch dressing
  • Mixing Bowl (Small) For preparing the buffalo sauce
  • Tongs For handling the chicken thighs and tossing the cabbage
  • Whisk For mixing the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce
  • Knife For slicing cabbage and trimming chicken thighs, if necessary
  • Cutting Board For preparing the cabbage and chicken
  • Measuring Spoons For accurate measurement of seasonings and sauce ingredients

Ingredients
  

Proteins

  • 1.5 lb Chicken Thighs Organic, free-range, skin-on

Vegetables

  • 1 small Head Cabbage Green or purple, thinly sliced

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Hot Sauce Your favorite brand
  • 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted, melted

Ranch Dressing

  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise Full-fat
  • 1/3 cup Sour Cream Full-fat
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill Chopped, or 1tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, or 1tsp dried
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder For flavor
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder For depth
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp Green Onions Chopped, for a fresh finish
  • 1 tbsp Crumbled Blue Cheese For extra creaminess

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • Pat 1.5lb chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, and season both sides with 1/2tsp salt and 1/4tsp black pepper.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce by whisking together 1/4cup hot sauce and 2tbsp melted butter in a small mixing bowl.
  • After the chicken is fully cooked, brush the buffalo sauce generously over each thigh. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.

Preparing the Ranch Slaw

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3cup mayonnaise, 1/3cup sour cream, 1tbsp fresh dill, 1tbsp fresh parsley, 1/2tsp garlic powder, 1/4tsp onion powder, 1/2tsp salt, 1/4tsp black pepper, and 1tbsp fresh lemon juice to make the ranch dressing.
  • Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the ranch dressing.

Serving

  • Plate the buffalo chicken thighs alongside the creamy ranch slaw.
  • Garnish the dish with 1tbsp chopped green onions and 1tbsp crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Creamy Ranch Slaw is a flavorful combination of spicy heat and creamy, refreshing crunch. The tender, juicy chicken thighs are coated in tangy buffalo sauce, while the ranch slaw adds a cooling balance, making this a perfectly satisfying keto dinner option. Packed with whole foods and rich in flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Pro Tip: To achieve extra crispy skin on the chicken thighs, broil them for 2-3 minutes after brushing on the buffalo sauce. Keep a close eye to avoid burning! For added convenience, use pre-shredded cabbage to cut down on prep time.
Fun Fact: Buffalo sauce gets its name from its birthplace: the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where it was first served in 1964. Originally paired with chicken wings, its popularity quickly spread, becoming a staple in American cuisine.

Nutrition

Serving: 300gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
Keyword buffalo chicken, creamy ranch dressing, easy keto meal, gluten-free chicken recipe, healthy cabbage slaw, keto dinner recipe, low-carb chicken thighs, ranch slaw, spicy chicken dinner, whole foods dinner
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