Ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Discover the secret to perfectly crispy and flavorful baked chicken thighs that rival any fried version. This recipe combines herbs and spices for a mouthwatering seasoning blend, creating a savory crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this oven-fried delight is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. Once baked, the chicken thighs are irresistible and make a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or served with your favorite sides. Share this delectable dish with family and friends, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
6-8 (Rinsed and patted dry)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
flour
1 cup (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
paprika
to taste (none)
cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
garlic powder
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, placing a rack on top.
2
Rinse the chicken thighs under cool water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
3
Season the chicken thighs liberally with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, or any preferred seasonings. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk until well combined.
5
In another bowl, combine the flour with additional salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder to taste.
6
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a small bowl, then brush or drizzle half of the mixture onto the prepared rack to prevent sticking.
7
Dip each seasoned chicken thigh first into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
8
For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest for about 5 minutes and re-dip in the flour mixture.
9
Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the rack, ensuring they are not crowded to allow air circulation.
10
Drizzle or brush the remaining butter and olive oil mixture over the chicken for added flavor and crispiness.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
12
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly crispy baked chicken!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
18g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for Ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
How long should the chicken thighs bake in the oven?
The chicken thighs should bake for approximately 40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What is the secret to getting the chicken thighs perfectly crispy?
The secret to crispiness is thoroughly patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and using a baking rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
How many chicken thighs does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for 6 to 8 chicken thighs, which provides approximately 6 servings.
What spices are used in the seasoning blend?
The seasoning blend consists of salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
How long should I marinate the chicken before coating it?
It is recommended to let the seasoned chicken thighs marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
How do I make the chicken even crunchier?
For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest for about 5 minutes after the first flour dip, and then re-dip it in the flour mixture a second time.
What ingredients are in the wet coating?
The wet coating is a whisked mixture of one beaten egg and 1/2 cup of milk.
Should I use butter or oil for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil for both flavor and crispiness.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the rack?
Brush or drizzle half of the melted butter and olive oil mixture onto the baking rack before placing the chicken on it.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving of these chicken thighs contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving in this dish.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 27 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this chicken dish?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is it necessary to rinse the chicken?
The recipe suggests rinsing the chicken thighs under cool water before patting them dry.
Can I use aluminum foil for easier cleanup?
Yes, it is recommended to line your baking sheet with aluminum foil to make the cleanup process much easier.
How should I arrange the chicken on the rack?
Arrange the chicken thighs so they are not crowded; this ensures proper air circulation for even browning and crisping.
When should I apply the remaining butter and oil mixture?
Drizzle or brush the remaining butter and olive oil mixture over the chicken just before putting it in the oven.
What should I do after removing the chicken from the oven?
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken because it is baked in the oven.
Can I serve this chicken in a sandwich?
Absolutely, these crispy thighs make a fantastic addition to sandwiches or salads.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of flour for the coating.
Is there a spice for heat in this recipe?
Yes, cayenne pepper is used to add a touch of heat to the seasoning.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include chicken, oven-fried, crispy, comfort food, easy dinner, and family meal.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk, and any standard milk will work for the egg wash.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Instead of greasing the sheet, you grease the rack that sits on the sheet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Can I use bone-in thighs?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for bone-in chicken thighs which help the meat stay tender and juicy.
Should the butter be melted?
Yes, the 3 tablespoons of butter should be melted and mixed with olive oil before use.
What is the preparation time for the coating?
The coating process involves dipping and resting for about 5 minutes if you choose to double-dip, so it takes roughly 10-15 minutes total.
Does this recipe use a lot of ingredients?
The recipe is quite simple, utilizing 11 total ingredients, most of which are common pantry staples.