Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Oven-fried chicken thighs offer the perfect combination of crispy texture and juicy flavor without the mess of deep frying. This simple recipe uses breadcrumbs and spices to create a deliciously crunchy coating that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to help the chicken crisp evenly.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken thighs to lightly coat them.
- Step 3: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the wire rack, skin side up. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- If you prefer, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour before coating for added tenderness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and will cook slightly faster—check for doneness around 25–30 minutes.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
You can place the chicken directly on a foil-lined baking sheet, but flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy.
PrintCrispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs recipe delivers the crispy, flavorful texture of traditional fried chicken with the healthier benefits of baking. Using a seasoned breadcrumb coating, chicken thighs are baked to golden perfection, making for a delicious and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and achieving a crispy crust.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Coat Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly drizzle or brush the chicken thighs with olive oil or melted butter, then dredge them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation and crisping on all sides.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Pat chicken dry to help the coating adhere better and become crisper.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet if possible to ensure even crisping.
- Customize spices in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste preferences.
- For extra crispiness, double coat by dipping back into olive oil and breadcrumbs before baking.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Keywords: oven fried chicken thighs, crispy baked chicken, breadcrumb chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken
