Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Oven-fried chicken thighs offer all the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken with less mess and oil. This easy recipe creates juicy, flavorful chicken with a crunchy panko crust that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray or brush with olive oil.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme; rub this mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
- Step 4: Coat each thigh in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Step 5: Arrange the thighs skin-side up in the baking dish, spacing them out so they cook evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over the baking dish to allow air circulation around the thighs.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but they may cook faster, so adjust baking time accordingly and check for doneness earlier.
What can I serve with oven-fried chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
PrintOven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken by baking crispy, seasoned chicken thighs coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly golden and juicy, these chicken thighs make a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
Coating & Seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray or brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Rub this flavorful mixture evenly over each chicken thigh to infuse the meat with spices.
- Coat with Panko: Coat each seasoned chicken thigh thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs until fully covered, which will provide a crispy exterior once baked.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the breaded thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, making sure to space them apart for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking while watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: oven-fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, panko chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe
