why make this recipe
This recipe gives you crispy skin and juicy meat without frying. It uses the oven, so it is cleaner and safer. You get a crunchy outside and a tender inside. If you want a different cooking method, see this air fryer guide for crisp and juicy chicken for ideas.
introduction
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are easy and tasty. You need simple ingredients and a little time. Marinating in buttermilk makes the meat soft. Baking at high heat makes a crisp crust. This dish fits weeknights and guests. You can pair it with salad, fries, or rice. For a creamy twist idea, read this creamy crack chicken thighs recipe.
how to make Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Make sure your oven is ready and you have a baking sheet with parchment paper. Marinate, dredge, and bake. Work one piece at a time so the coating sticks well. Use an oil spray to help color and crisp the top.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken thighs in the flour mixture, coating them well.
- Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken thighs!
how to serve Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Serve hot right from the oven. Put the thighs on a plate with a green salad and lemon wedges. They also go well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or steamed rice. For a fun meal, shred the meat and use in tacos or sandwiches.
how to store Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. You can freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months in a freezer bag.
tips to make Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken dry after the buttermilk so the flour sticks well.
- Use parchment paper to stop sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Spray the top lightly with oil so the crust browns.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- For more crisp ideas, try these crispy chicken taco roll-ups.
variation (if any)
- Add cayenne or chili powder for heat.
- Use breadcrumbs mixed with the flour for extra crunch.
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- Try bone-in or boneless thighs; adjust cook time if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Breasts may cook faster. Check internal temp to 165°F (74°C).
Q: Do I need buttermilk?
A: Buttermilk helps tenderize and add flavor. You can use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: The juices should run clear and the internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crisp.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can marinate overnight. Cooked chicken can be reheated, but best eaten the same day.
Conclusion
This oven-fried method gives you a crisp outside and a juicy inside with little mess. For more tips and a similar extra-crispy version, see Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs – Craving Tasty.
Print
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Enjoy juicy chicken with a crispy outer layer without the mess of frying. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken thighs in the flour mixture, coating them well.
- Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken thighs!
Notes
Pat the chicken dry after the buttermilk so the flour sticks well. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: oven-fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipes