Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
why make this recipe
Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs bring together the best qualities of fried chicken – flavor, crunch, and tenderness – without the mess and extra calories of traditional frying. This recipe is not only simple to follow, but the oven bakes the chicken to perfection, yielding a crispy texture that everyone will love. You get to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
how to make Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
- Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Serve hot.
how to serve Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Serve these delicious chicken thighs hot out of the oven. They are great on their own or with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as barbecue or honey mustard for added flavor.
how to store Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through to maintain their crispiness.
tips to make Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
- For an even crispier texture, try double-dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and breadcrumb mixture before baking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking for juicier meat.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
variation (if any)
You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Adjust the seasonings to fit your taste preferences for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.
2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
While it’s not strictly necessary, marinating in buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it is recommended.
3. Can I freeze Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
- Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve the chicken thighs hot out of the oven, with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.