Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Oven-fried chicken thighs offer the perfect balance of crispy, flavorful skin and juicy meat without the mess of deep frying. This simple recipe uses a seasoned breadcrumb coating and baking to achieve a deliciously crunchy crust.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil to help the coating stick.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating onto the skin to ensure it adheres well.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even crisping.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for an hour before coating to make it even more tender.
Storage
Store leftover oven-fried chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, as they cook faster than bone-in pieces.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
PrintOven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Crispy and flavorful oven-fried chicken thighs coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection for a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the chicken coating during baking.
- Prepare coating: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, dried thyme, and optional cayenne pepper for a flavorful seasoning mix.
- Coat chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Brush each thigh lightly with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating stick and aid crisping. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the surface to adhere well.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack over a baking tray. This setup helps air circulation and keeps the coating crisp.
- Bake chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, the coating is crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set crisp.
Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Brushing with oil or butter is essential to achieve a crispy crust in the oven.
- Using a wire rack to bake allows heat to circulate and prevents sogginess.
- Chicken thighs can be marinated in buttermilk before coating for added moisture and tenderness, though this step is optional.
Keywords: oven-fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, baked chicken, breadcrumb chicken, easy chicken recipe
