Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe delightful crunch of crispy skin meets the warm embrace of tender, juicy meat in my Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs. This dish brings together the rich flavors of Ireland with the comfort of classic fried chicken—only without the guilt of deep frying. Imagine serving this golden-brown masterpiece for your next family gathering or on a cozy weeknight when you crave something heartwarming and delicious. What’s even better? It’s a breeze to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making dinner both effortless and satisfying. Are you curious about how to elevate your chicken game while keeping it simple? Let’s dive in! Why are these chicken thighs so irresistible? Crispy Exterior: Achieve that perfect crunch without the fryer—this recipe promises a golden, crispy skin that doesn’t compromise on flavor! Tender Inside: Each bite reveals juicy, tender meat thanks to marinating, ensuring satisfaction in every mouthful. Irish Twist: Infused with traditional Irish herbs, this dish adds a unique flavor profile, elevating a classic favorite. Easy to Make: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time! Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners—everyone will love this heartwarming dish, just like my Baked Chicken Thighs or BBQ Chicken Thighs. Versatile Options: Enjoy it straight from the oven or create a delightful meal with sides like mashed potatoes or sautéed cabbage. Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs • To achieve a delightful crunch, let’s gather the necessary ingredients! For the Chicken Chicken Thighs – Bone-in and skin-on yields juiciness and flavor. Buttermilk (optional) – Helps tenderize and enriches flavor; plain yogurt works as a substitute. For the Coating Flour or Cornstarch – Provides that irresistible crispy exterior; cornstarch is a gluten-free option. Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth to the coating mix. Onion Powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile. Thyme – Offers an herbal note; rosemary can be used in its place. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste. Cayenne or Mustard Powder (optional) – Introduces a touch of heat; tailor it based on preference. For Crispiness Olive Oil or Irish Butter – Brush on the chicken prior to baking for optimum crispiness. With these ingredients, you’re all set to create deliciously Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs that will surely warm your heart and impress your family! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Step 1: Marinate Chicken Begin by soaking the bone-in chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum tenderness. This crucial step enhances flavor and juiciness. When ready, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and pat each piece dry with paper towels to prepare for seasoning. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack on top for better airflow. This ensures an even bake, helping to achieve that irresistible crispy texture in your Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs. Step 3: Season and Coat In a mixing bowl, combine your chosen flour or cornstarch with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, thoroughly coat each chicken thigh with this seasoned flour blend, ensuring an even coverage. Brush the coated chicken lightly with olive oil or melted Irish butter for added crispiness. Step 4: Bake Carefully place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up for maximum crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’re looking for a beautifully golden-brown skin that signals perfectly cooked, crispy chicken. Step 5: Rest and Garnish After baking, let the Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs rest for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy. For a burst of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving it up for a delightful, heartwarming meal! What to Serve with Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs? Imagine a warm table filled with delightful sides that enhance the comfort of your delicious oven-fried chicken, creating a truly heartwarming meal experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Soft and buttery, these mashed potatoes provide a classic companion, perfect for soaking up any drippings from the chicken. Sautéed Cabbage: Lightly sautéed with garlic and a pinch of salt, this side adds a fresh crunch and a touch of earthy flavor to your meal. Traditional Colcannon: This classic Irish dish combines mashed potatoes with greens, offering a colorful, nutritious twist on your plate. Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of honey-glazed carrots contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken, bringing a hint of brightness to each bite. Irish Brown Bread: Enjoy slices of this hearty bread to complement your crispy chicken, perfect for mopping up juices and adding a rustic touch. Enhancing your meal with these sides can transform a simple dinner into a cozy feast. Pint of Irish Stout: Pair the meal with a smooth pint, like Guinness, to elevate the experience with rich flavors and to toast to good times. Apple Crisp: End on a sweet note with this warm dessert, its cinnamon-spiced apples providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, these pairings will help to celebrate the heartwarming spirit of your Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs. Expert Tips for Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Proper Drying: Ensure chicken is completely dried after marinating; this prevents excess moisture, allowing for maximum crunch in your crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs. Consistent Coating: Use even pressure when coating the chicken to prevent clumps. This ensures a uniform crispy texture across all pieces, avoiding soggy spots. Monitor Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; overcooking will lead to dry meat. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps retain juices and maintain that incredible crispy skin. Avoid Overcrowding: If baking multiple thighs, ensure they’re spaced apart on the pan. This promotes air circulation and allows each piece to crisp up nicely! Season to Taste: Don’t shy away from adjusting seasonings based on your preference; this step enhances flavor and elevates your crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs to perfection. Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe; your flavor journey awaits! Drumsticks: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks for a fun twist that’s just as crispy and satisfying. The little ones will love them at any family gathering! Greek Yogurt: Replace buttermilk with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor that still tenderizes the meat beautifully. It adds a creamy richness that amplifies the dish. Gluten-Free: To keep it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour for the coating. You won’t lose out on texture or taste—just pure deliciousness! Herb Swaps: Experiment with different herbs like dill or Italian seasoning for a unique flavor profile. Each herb brings its own charm, allowing for a personalized touch! Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of smoked paprika to the coating mix for an exciting flavor kick. It’s a delightful way to elevate the classics. Heat Level: Spice things up by incorporating cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. Adjust according to your heat preference for an extra zing! Buttery Variation: Swapping butter for olive oil creates a different flavor profile; try it for a richer, indulgent twist. It takes your chicken to new, savory heights! Baked Potato Crisps: For a crispy side dish, try slicing potatoes into thin rounds, brushing them with olive oil, and seasoning to match your chicken. A perfect crunchy companion! Whether you prefer the classic or want to explore these variations, serving them alongside tasty mashed potatoes or a hearty Irish colcannon will guarantee a meal everyone gathers around. Enjoy your culinary adventure! Make Ahead Options These Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances their juiciness and flavor. Additionally, you can coat the chicken with the seasoned flour mixture up to 3 days prior. Just store both components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply take the marinated thighs out, coat them if you haven’t done so already, and bake as directed. This way, you achieve the same deliciously crispy results with minimal effort, ensuring your family enjoys a comforting meal whenever the craving strikes! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Fridge: Store your crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy those crispy textures again, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring the skin remains crispy. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain its juicy goodness and flavor. Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken thighs? Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs, look for bone-in and skin-on pieces as these will offer the best flavors and moisture. Fresh thighs should be pink with no dark spots or unpleasant odors. If possible, opt for organic or free-range options for a more robust taste. What’s the best way to store leftovers? To keep your crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs fresh, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing to avoid excess moisture buildup. Can I freeze the chicken thighs? Yes, you can freeze them! For the best results, let the crispy chicken cool completely, then arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer until frozen solid. After that, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. How can I avoid soggy chicken skin after reheating? To maintain the crispy skin, reheat the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the skin soft and unappealing. For an extra crispy finish, you can also pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes! Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Very! If you have gluten sensitivities, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch, which will provide that delightful crunch without gluten. Additionally, ensure that any seasonings or sauces used are free from allergens. I often recommend checking labels to avoid hidden ingredients that might conflict with dietary needs. What should I do if my chicken thighs aren’t crispy enough? If your chicken isn’t turning out crispy, it might be due to excess moisture. Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly after marinating—it’s key for achieving that crispy Irish oven-fried chicken thighs texture. Additionally, ensure that you’re using enough oil or butter in your coating, and avoid overcrowding the pan during baking to allow hot air to circulate properly around each piece. Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs for Cozy Nights Delight in the crunch of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat with these Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 thighsCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in and skin-on for juiciness1 cup Buttermilk Optional; substitute plain yogurt if neededFor the Coating1 cup Flour Or use cornstarch for gluten-free option1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Onion Powder1 teaspoon Thyme Or substitute with rosemary1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust according to taste1/2 teaspoon Cayenne or Mustard Powder Optional for heatFor Crispiness2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Irish Butter For brushing Equipment OvenBaking Sheetwire rackMixing Bowl Method Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken ThighsMarinate the chicken by soaking the bone-in chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. Remove and pat dry.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or set a wire rack on top.Combine flour or cornstarch with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the mixture.Brush the coated chicken with olive oil or melted Irish butter. Place skin-side up on the baking sheet.Bake for 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring a golden-brown crispy skin.Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Nutrition Serving: 1thighCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesFor maximum crispiness, ensure chicken is completely dried after marinating and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
