Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Enjoy extra crispy, oven-fried Irish-style chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, flour, and spices. This easy baked recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crunchy crust—ideal for a comforting dinner.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, immerse the chicken thighs in buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes and infuses flavor into the chicken.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder until combined evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then thoroughly dredge in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure every surface is coated well.
- Arrange and Butter: Place the coated chicken thighs spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the tops to help create an extra crispy golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating in buttermilk is key for tender and juicy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to check internal temperature for food safety and best results.
- Drizzling melted butter before baking helps crisp the breading beautifully.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the coating mix.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven-fried chicken, Irish chicken recipe, buttermilk chicken, baked chicken recipe, crispy chicken, easy dinner