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Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.8 from 138 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a crispy crust on the chicken.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Coat with Panko: Coat each seasoned chicken thigh thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs until fully covered, which will provide a crispy exterior once baked.
  5. 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.
  6. 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