Craving that satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the deep-fried guilt? Look no further! These extra crispy Irish oven fried chicken thighs deliver a golden-brown, flavorful experience right from your oven. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a herb-infused breadcrumb mixture and baked to crispy perfection. It’s a healthier, easier way to enjoy a classic comfort food – perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. This recipe skips the deep fryer, opting for a clever baking method that maximizes flavor and minimizes mess.
Why You’ll Love These Irish Oven Fried Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of fried chicken but wants a lighter, less messy alternative. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Incredible Crunch: The panko breadcrumb coating creates a satisfyingly crispy texture that rivals traditional fried chicken.
- Juicy and Tender: Buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken thighs remain incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Flavorful: A blend of herbs and spices adds an Irish-inspired twist to this classic dish.
- Healthier: Oven-baking reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and some helpful substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and ability to stay moist during baking.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup of buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
- Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper provide the basic seasoning. Adjust to your taste.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs provides a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Dried Herbs: 1 tablespoon dried parsley and 1 tablespoon dried thyme create the “Irish” flavor profile. You can also add other herbs such as dried sage or rosemary.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder add depth of flavor.
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon paprika adds a touch of color and smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil helps the breading brown evenly.
- Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
How to Make Irish Oven Fried Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple steps to create crispy, delicious oven-fried chicken thighs:
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat completely.
- Bake the Chicken: Place breaded chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil.
- Cook: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your Irish oven fried chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: The buttermilk is key to tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading adhere.
- Press the breading firmly: Ensure the breading is well-adhered to the chicken for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between the chicken thighs to allow for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Broil for extra crispiness (optional): For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These oven-fried chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips)
- A fresh salad
- Coleslaw
- Enjoy them in a sandwich or wrap. Check out this Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For crispier chicken, you can also reheat them in an air fryer.
Looking for a sweet treat to follow your chicken? Check out this Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe!
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs. If using chicken breasts, reduce the baking time slightly and monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A: Yes, but panko breadcrumbs will provide a crispier texture. If using regular breadcrumbs, you may want to add a little extra oil to the breading mixture.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
These Irish oven fried chicken thighs are a delicious and healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a crispy, juicy, and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. So, ditch the takeout and get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken made right at home!
Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs: Irish-Inspired Delight
Craving crispy, juicy chicken without the mess of deep frying? These oven-fried chicken thighs deliver all the satisfying crunch you desire, with a flavorful Irish twist. We’re talking golden-brown perfection achieved in your oven, thanks to a clever breading technique and high heat. This recipe utilizes buttermilk for ultimate tenderness and a blend of herbs and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Get ready to ditch the takeout and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken made right at home! It’s a family favorite and incredibly easy to customize to your personal spice preferences. Forget the guilt – this is a healthier way to enjoy crispy fried chicken!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Remove chicken thighs from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat completely.
- Place breaded chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. You can substitute other herbs and spices to your liking. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 140mg