Crispy Ranch-Style Buttermilk Chicken Thighs
This crispy ranch-style buttermilk chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Marinated in a savory blend of buttermilk and ranch dressing, the chicken thighs soak up flavors, becoming juicy and tender. Coated with a crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these oven-fried chicken thighs offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing taste. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad and crispy oven-baked wedges for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
6 (cutlets, bone-in, skin off, about 700 g total)
buttermilk
1 cup (for marinating)
ranch dressing mix
1/2 envelope (original flavor)
hot sauce
4 teaspoons (more if desired)
dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for coating)
paprika
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
garlic salt
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for heat)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
cooking spray
to taste (for baking)
Instructions
1
Begin by pricking the chicken thighs all over with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, and hot sauce. Stir until well blended.
3
Place the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing for overnight marination for enhanced flavor.
4
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
5
In a separate large bowl, mix the dry breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir until evenly combined.
6
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating.
7
Arrange the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and a crispy, golden crust has formed.
9
Serve hot with your favorite sides, like a refreshing garden salad and crispy oven-baked wedges.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Crispy Ranch-Style Buttermilk Chicken Thighs?
This recipe features chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk, ranch, and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and oven-baked until crispy.
What type of chicken cut is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 bone-in chicken thighs with the skin removed, weighing approximately 700 g in total.
Why should I prick the chicken thighs with a fork?
Pricking the chicken all over with a fork helps the buttermilk and ranch marinade penetrate deeper into the meat for better flavor.
What ingredients are in the buttermilk marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 cup of buttermilk, half an envelope of original flavor ranch dressing mix, and 4 teaspoons of hot sauce.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour, though marinating it overnight is recommended for enhanced flavor.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F) before baking.
Does the oven temperature change during cooking?
Yes, after the first 10 minutes of baking, you should reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
What ingredients make up the crispy coating?
The coating is a mixture of dry breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
How do I ensure the breadcrumb coating sticks?
After removing the chicken from the marinade, dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture and press down firmly to ensure an even and secure coating.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The total baking time is 40 minutes in the oven.
What is the secret to getting a golden brown crust in the oven?
Lightly spraying the tops of the coated chicken thighs with cooking spray before baking promotes browning and a crispy texture.
How can I tell when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and a crispy, golden crust has formed on the outside.
What are some suggested side dishes for this recipe?
It is recommended to serve the chicken with a refreshing garden salad and crispy oven-baked wedges.
How much ranch dressing mix is required?
You will need 1/2 envelope of original flavor ranch dressing mix.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe contains hot sauce in the marinade and cayenne pepper in the coating, providing a bit of heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How much hot sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests 4 teaspoons of hot sauce, but you can add more if you desire extra heat.
What kind of cheese is used in the breading?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the coating.
What herbs are used in the spice blend?
The dry mixture includes 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano.
Can I use skin-on chicken thighs?
The recipe specifically recommends using skin-off chicken thighs for this oven-fried preparation.
What equipment do I need for baking?
You will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
What makes this a healthier alternative to fried chicken?
It is oven-fried rather than deep-fried in oil, and it uses skinless chicken thighs and a light coating of cooking spray.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of paprika for flavor and color.
What amount of garlic salt is added?
One teaspoon of garlic salt is used in the breadcrumb mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 6 chicken thighs, which typically serves 3 to 6 people depending on the serving size.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavors are savory, ranch-style, and slightly spicy with a cheesy, herbal crust.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is an easy dinner option that many people enjoy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, oven-fried, ranch, buttermilk, easy dinner, family-friendly, healthy, crispy, and baked chicken.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What amount of breadcrumbs is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs for the coating.
What is the description of the final dish?
A delightful twist on a classic favorite where chicken is juicy, tender, and coated with a crunchy, savory mixture of breadcrumbs and spices.