Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are a delicious and comforting dish that brings the joy of fried chicken into your home without the mess of deep frying. This recipe creates juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crispy skin that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a family-friendly meal that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it provides a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. Plus, it’s simpler since you can cook everything in the oven, freeing up your time to focus on other parts of your meal. With the right techniques, this recipe gives you the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with much less mess and hassle. Not to mention, you can easily customize it with your favorite sauces for a personal touch!
How to Make Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Creating Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs is straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to serving up a flavorful and crispy dish.
Ingredients:
- 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs, trimmed)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder (do NOT use baking soda, it’s NOT the same)
- 2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp Buffalo wing sauce (plus more to taste; see notes)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels really well. Try to get them as dry as possible.
- Sprinkle on the salt, paprika, pepper, and baking powder. Gently rub the mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Lay the chicken thighs on a cooling rack, leaving some space between each piece. Optionally, spray the rack with PAM or rub it with oil to prevent sticking. If you skip the cooling rack, you might end up with greasy chicken thighs. If that happens, place the baked chicken on paper towels to remove the excess grease.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and/or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and switch the oven to 425°F convection. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Bake for 30 minutes for a moderate crispiness or 35-40 minutes for ultimate crispiness and tender meat—just a bit less juicy.
- Remove the thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period keeps the skin crispy after tossing in the Buffalo wing sauce.
- Toss the thighs in Buffalo wing sauce or your preferred sauce. You can also serve with a dipping sauce on the side.
How to Serve Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are best served hot, straight from the oven. They go well with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or baked beans. You can also create a fun meal by serving them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, alongside some crunchy veggies.
How to Store Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place the thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven to restore the crispiness, rather than using the microwave.
Tips to Make Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning to help achieve that great crispiness.
- Use a convection setting on your oven for the best results.
- For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces. You can try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You could also swap out the Buffalo wing sauce for BBQ or teriyaki sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
2. What can I serve with Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a green salad.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken thighs. Just make sure they are in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the oven for best results.
Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs, trimmed)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder do NOT use baking soda, it’s NOT the same
- 2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp Buffalo wing sauce plus more to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels really well. Try to get them as dry as possible.
- Sprinkle on the salt, paprika, pepper, and baking powder. Gently rub the mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Lay the chicken thighs on a cooling rack, leaving some space between each piece. Optionally, spray the rack with PAM or rub it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and/or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cooking
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and switch the oven to 425°F convection.
- Bake for 30 minutes for moderate crispiness or 35-40 minutes for ultimate crispiness and tender meat.
- Remove the thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Toss the thighs in Buffalo wing sauce or your preferred sauce. You can also serve with a dipping sauce on the side.
