Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, these "Chicken Thighs Oven Fried" are a lighter take on classic fried chicken, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and zesty hot sauce, the chicken is coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and aromatic spices for a crunchy golden crust that’s baked—not fried—to perfection. This recipe combines the indulgence of fried chicken with a healthier cooking method, using olive oil spray and a high-temperature oven to deliver crave-worthy results without the mess of deep frying. Ready in under an hour (with some prep), these chicken thighs are a family-friendly favorite and pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. Enjoy the irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness of this easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress!
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet and spray it lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray. This will help achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning, and reapply olive oil spray as needed.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and moist.
Serve the crispy oven-fried chicken thighs immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Calories |
2876 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.5 g | 213% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.0 g | 245% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 756 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 4061 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.2 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 190.6 g | 381% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 442 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 17.1 mg | 95% | |
| Potassium | 2585 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.