Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F

Step 2

In a medium-sized bowl add buttermilk, optional hot sauce, and egg. Whisk to combine.

Step 3

In a large plastic bag, add flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake bag to mix.

Step 4

Using tongs coat chicken in buttermilk mixture, then place in plastic bag and shake to coat. Set aside on a plate. Repeat for each chicken thigh.

Step 5

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place pats of butter on the sheet. Bake in the oven for 2 to 5 minutes just until butter is melted.

Step 6

Place chicken thighs, skin side down, on the baking sheet in the melted butter.

Step 7

Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and turn the chicken skin side up. Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 more minutes, or until the chicken is done.