She Strengthens

Spicy Chicken Thighs with a Kick

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this bold, Buffalo-style recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The secret lies in the combination of canned chipotle chiles, hot sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, which creates a rich, gutsy sauce that’s both spicy and savory.

What You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll want to have the following ingredients on hand:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 large skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 6 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup lager-style beer
• 1/3 cup medium-spicy hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Preparing the Chicken

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the upper third. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe frying pan over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and browned.

Building the Sauce

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Pour out the oil and discard it, then add the remaining oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until the onion starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Pour in the lager-style beer, hot sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the browned chicken thighs back to the sauce, using tongs to coat them evenly. Arrange the pieces skin-side up and transfer the skillet to the oven.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the chicken for about 30 minutes, or until it’s tender and opaque throughout. Once cooked, transfer the chicken and its sauce to a warmed serving platter or individual plates, served alongside mashed or roasted potatoes.

A Delicious Twist on a Classic

This spicy chicken thigh recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the thrill of a flavor adventure!