Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Delicious

Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor!

Oven-fried chicken thighs are a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. With a crispy coating, tender juicy meat, and all the flavors you crave, this recipe offers the perfect balance between crunchy and moist. The best part? It’s made in the oven, meaning you can get that golden, crispy finish without all the added oil. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a special occasion, extra crispy oven-fried chicken thighs are sure to impress everyone at the table.

In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of making crispy oven-fried chicken thighs, from marinating the chicken to preparing the crispy coating and getting the perfect cook in the oven. Plus, we’ll include tips for achieving that crunchy exterior and juicy interior, with extra flavors to make the dish even more irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

• Crispy Texture: Achieve the crispy crunch of deep-fried chicken without the oil or mess.
• Juicy Inside: The chicken thighs remain moist and tender on the inside, thanks to the oven-baking process.
• Healthier Alternative: By using the oven instead of deep frying, you cut down on calories and excess oil, making it a lighter option.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile: You can serve these crispy chicken thighs with a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch (this is key to achieving extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)

For Baking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

1. Marinate the Chicken Thighs:

Start by marinating the chicken thighs. This step is important to infuse the chicken with flavor and moisture.

• In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until the mixture is well combined.

• Place the chicken thighs into the bowl, making sure each piece is submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (you can marinate for up to 8 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor).

  Tip: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

2. Prepare the Breading:

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bread crumb coating.

• In a separate shallow dish or large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

  Tip: The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that will help make the chicken extra crispy. It creates a super crunchy crust when baked in the oven.

3. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  Tip: For extra crispy chicken, you can place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness.

4. Coat the Chicken Thighs:

Now it’s time to coat the chicken with the crispy breading.

• Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off.

• Dredge each chicken thigh in the breading mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thick, even coat of flour. Be sure to coat both sides of the chicken.

  Tip: For an even crispier coating, you can dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then dredge it again in the flour mixture. This double coating gives the chicken a thicker crust.

5. Drizzle with Oil or Butter:

For a golden, crispy finish, drizzle a little vegetable oil or melted butter over the breaded chicken thighs. This step adds moisture and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.

• Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet or rack, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.

6. Bake the Chicken Thighs:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

• Halfway through the cooking time (about 20 minutes), flip the chicken thighs over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

  Tip: If you’re using a cooling rack, you won’t need to flip the chicken since air can circulate underneath, providing even crisping.

7. Rest and Serve:

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

• Serve the extra crispy chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a classic comfort meal.

  Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

1. Use Skin-On, Bone-In Thighs: To get the best crispy texture, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, and the bone helps retain moisture, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

2. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The addition of cornstarch to the breading is crucial for achieving the crispy texture. It absorbs moisture and helps the coating crisp up nicely in the oven.

3. Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an ultra-crispy crust, coat the chicken twice—first in the buttermilk mixture and then in the flour mixture. This will create a thicker, crunchier exterior.

4. Use a Cooling Rack: If you have one, place the chicken on a cooling rack set on top of the baking sheet. This helps air circulate all around the chicken, creating an even crispiness.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: Give the chicken space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to soggy spots since the heat won’t circulate properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached the right internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

7. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading or buttermilk marinade for an extra kick. You can also serve the chicken with a side of spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These extra crispy oven-fried chicken thighs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food to serve with fried chicken.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side.
• Cornbread: If you want to add a southern touch, serve your chicken with warm cornbread.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Nutritional Benefits of Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

While fried foods are often considered unhealthy, using the oven instead of deep frying can significantly reduce the amount of oil and fat in the recipe. Chicken thighs are rich in protein and iron, while the crispy coating provides satisfying crunch without the excess calories of deep frying. By using a cooling rack and moderate amounts of oil, you can create a crispy, delicious dish with a healthier twist.

Final Thoughts

Extra crispy oven-fried chicken thighs are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful. The key to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying is the use of cornstarch in the breading and baking the chicken at a high temperature. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while still delivering that irresistible crunch and juicy interior. Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make dish with your favorite sides for a perfect meal everyone will love!