Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
