Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat with these extra crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs. This recipe uses a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a seasoned panko coating to create a deliciously crunchy finish without frying.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
4. Step 4: Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra crispiness.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice if buttermilk isn’t available.
• Use skinless chicken thighs if you prefer less fat, but the skin helps achieve maximum crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly. Adjust baking time accordingly and consider marinating longer to keep them juicy.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy without gluten.

Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

This recipe features Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs that combine tender, juicy meat with a perfectly crisp and flavorful coating. Marinated in buttermilk for moisture and coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, the chicken is baked in the oven for a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken, delivering unbeatable crunch without deep frying.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Breading Coating

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, submerge the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle tangy flavor.
3. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder to create a flavorful and crispy coating.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and generous coating.
5. Arrange and Butter: Place the coated chicken thighs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the coated chicken pieces to boost crispiness and add a rich flavor during baking.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Confirm doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve hot and enjoy the extra crispy crust and juicy meat.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
• Allowing the chicken to marinate longer, up to 4 hours, will enhance tenderness and taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken and avoid drying it out.
• If you want a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Drizzling melted butter is key to achieving that extra crispy texture without frying.

Keywords: oven-fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, Irish chicken recipe, baked chicken, panko crusted chicken