Oven Fried Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Easy Recipe & Tips

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Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Easy Southern Recipe GuideCraving a delicious, crispy chicken dish without the hassle of deep frying? Look no further than Oven Fried Chicken Thighs. This recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken with the ease and health benefits of oven cooking. Inspired by Southern culinary traditions, this dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating. Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless thighs, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients

To make the best oven fried chicken thighs, gather the following ingredients:

  • Chicken Thighs:
    • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Coating:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup cornmeal
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wet Mixture:
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Optional Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley, chopped
    • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top to ensure even crisping.
  2. Dry the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  3. Season the Chicken:
    • Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the coating.

Step 2: Make the Coating

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
    • In another bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

  1. Dip in Wet Mixture:
    • Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken thigh into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
  2. Coat with Dry Mixture:
    • Transfer the chicken thigh to the dry coating mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  1. Arrange on Rack:
    • Place the coated chicken thighs on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows air to circulate and helps achieve a crispy crust.
  2. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Rest:
    • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish and Enjoy:
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Crispy Chicken

  • Pat Dry: Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning and coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Baking Powder Secret: Adding baking powder to the coating mixture helps create an extra crispy texture.
  • Wire Rack: Baking on a wire rack prevents the chicken from sitting in its juices, promoting even crisping.

Variations

  • Boneless Thighs: For oven fried chicken thighs boneless, reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
  • Southern Style: For a Southern oven fried chicken twist, include a teaspoon of ground mustard and celery salt in the coating mixture.

Substitutions

  • Buttermilk: Substitute with plain yogurt or milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Cornmeal: Use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture if cornmeal is unavailable.

Oven Fried Chicken Thighs

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 chicken thigh):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

Experience the taste of the South with this easy and delicious Oven Fried Chicken Thighs recipe. With the perfect balance of spices and a crispy coating, this dish will impress everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless thighs, this versatile recipe can be customized to your liking. So why wait? Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your chicken turned out and any variations you tried.

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