Crispy fried chicken thighs are a delicious dish made by marinating chicken thighs in buttermilk, then dredging them in a seasoned flour mixture before frying. The result is a crispy, golden-brown coating on the outside and a tender, juicy interior. This recipe is perfect for those who love flavorful, crispy chicken that’s both satisfying and delicious.
To prepare crispy fried chicken thighs, you’ll need about 1 hour to marinate the chicken and 20-30 minutes for frying. This ensures the chicken is both crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. The entire process takes around 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Using the right spices and the buttermilk marinade truly makes a difference in the taste of the fried chicken. The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the juicy, tender meat inside. Every time this recipe is made, it delivers a satisfying crunch and a flavorful kick, making it a go-to dish for family gatherings and special meals. The balance of seasonings, along with the crispy texture, always leaves everyone wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The crispy fried chicken thighs are golden brown and crunchy on the outside, with a juicy, tender inside. The crispy skin adds the perfect texture, making every bite a satisfying experience. This dish is sure to be a hit at every meal.
- Easy to Make: Making crispy fried chicken thighs is simple and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that rivals your favorite restaurant.
- Full of Flavor: These chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection, bringing a burst of flavors with every bite. The combination of spices creates a savory, mouthwatering taste that complements the crispy coating perfectly, making this dish irresistible.
Ingredient Notes for Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for crispy fried chicken. They stay juicy inside while getting crispy on the outside. You can also use boneless thighs for a quicker cook time.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it moist and flavorful. It also aids in creating a light, crispy coating when frying.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the breading. It helps form a crispy layer around the chicken as it fries.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds extra crunch to the coating, giving the chicken a crispy, golden finish.
- Baking Powder: A small amount of baking powder helps make the coating light and airy, enhancing the crispiness of the fried chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor, giving the chicken an extra boost of taste.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder pairs well with garlic powder and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Paprika: Paprika gives the chicken a mild, smoky flavor and adds a beautiful red hue to the crust.
- Salt: Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and bringing out the best in the chicken.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and works with the other spices for a balanced taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: This adds a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on how much heat you like.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying chicken. It ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy without burning.
Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs Variation
You can easily change up the recipe for crispy fried chicken thighs to fit different tastes. For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk. If you like a different flavor profile, try adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture. You can also swap the buttermilk for regular milk or even make the coating gluten-free by using rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Another variation is to bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes to achieve a healthier version without frying.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
Crispy fried chicken thighs are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
- As a main dish: Serve crispy fried chicken thighs with sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
- Chicken sandwiches: Place the fried chicken thighs on a bun, add pickles, lettuce, and your favorite sauce for a crispy chicken sandwich.
- In wraps: Shred the crispy chicken and place it in a wrap with veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for a quick lunch or dinner.
- For meal prep: Store cooked chicken thighs in meal prep containers with your favorite sides, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.
Storage Options
If you have leftover crispy fried chicken thighs, don’t worry! They can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the chicken for longer, freeze it. After cooling, wrap the chicken thighs in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen fried chicken can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy again.
FAQs About Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
What temperature should the oil be for crispy fried chicken thighs?
The oil should be heated to 350°F to 375°F for crispy fried chicken thighs. This high temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Can you bake crispy fried chicken thighs instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake crispy fried chicken thighs by coating them with oil and baking at a high temperature, around 425°F. While baking won’t create the exact same texture as frying, it can still yield a deliciously crispy result.
Why are my fried chicken thighs not crispy?
If your fried chicken thighs aren’t crispy, it may be due to oil that’s too cold or the chicken being overcrowded in the pan. Ensure the oil is hot enough and fry in small batches to allow air circulation around each piece.
How long should you fry crispy fried chicken thighs?
Fry crispy chicken thighs for about 10-12 minutes, depending on their size. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked while remaining crispy on the outside.
Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Frying Pan
- Tongs
- Thermometer
- Paper Towels
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 3-4 cups Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour in the buttermilk and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though an hour is even better for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. For an extra crispy coating, you can add a bit more cornstarch to this mix.
- Dredge the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken thigh out of the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and coat it generously in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. Use a thermometer to check the temperature—this will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisply.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, skin side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying. Cook for 7-10 minutes per side, depending on the size of the thighs. You should achieve a golden-brown color and crispy texture on the outside.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Drain and Cool: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. You can also transfer the chicken to a cooling rack to keep it crisp.
