Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving crispy, juicy chicken thighs without the hassle of deep frying, this Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for you. It’s simple, delicious, and delivers that satisfying crunch we all love. Here’s how you can make it at home.

This recipe uses baking powder (not baking soda) to achieve that extra-crispy skin. Combined with a blend of spices and a high-temperature bake, the result is chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The secret lies in thoroughly drying the chicken before seasoning and baking at a high temperature with convection, ensuring even and crispy cooking.

Whether you’re serving these chicken thighs for a family dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. You can toss them in Buffalo wing sauce for a spicy kick or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Either way, these oven-fried chicken thighs will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

- 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs, trimmed)

- 1 tablespoon baking powder (do NOT use baking soda, it's NOT the same)

- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)

- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 3 tablespoons Buffalo wing sauce (plus more to taste; see notes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs

   Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. The drier the chicken, the better the results. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with kosher salt, sweet paprika, black pepper, and baking powder. Use your hands to rub the seasonings evenly over the chicken, ensuring full coverage.

3. Set Up the Baking Sheet

   Lay the seasoned chicken thighs on a cooling rack set over a large baking sheet. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Optionally, spray the cooling rack with PAM or lightly oil it to minimize sticking. Note: If you skip using a cooling rack, the bottoms of the chicken thighs may become a bit greasy. In this case, place the thighs on paper towels after baking to remove excess grease.

4. Bake the Chicken

   Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Switch the oven to 425°F (218°C) convection. This is an important step to ensure the chicken becomes extra crispy. Bake for 30 minutes for moderate crispiness and supreme juiciness. For ultimate crispiness and fall-off-the-bone tenderness (with slightly reduced juiciness), bake for 35-40 minutes.

5. Rest and Serve

   Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the skin retain its crispiness. Toss the thighs in Buffalo wing sauce, or any other sauce of your choice, or serve them with a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Notes:

- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of Buffalo Wing Sauce to taste. You can also mix it with BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

- Cleaning Tip: Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil and/or parchment paper can make cleanup much easier.

These Extra Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy chicken without the need for deep frying. Enjoy them hot and fresh from the oven, and savor every crunchy, juicy bite!