Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

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Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

If you crave crispy, golden, and flavorful chicken that stays juicy on the inside, these Irish oven-fried chicken thighs are your ultimate comfort food. Using a classic skillet frying method, you get restaurant-quality crunch with tender, succulent meat. With simple ingredients, careful seasoning, and precise cooking techniques, this recipe will help you master the art of perfectly crispy fried chicken.

These chicken thighs are ideal for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or special occasions. The Irish twist comes from subtle seasoning notes and traditional techniques that create a crispy, flavorful crust without being greasy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Extra Crispy: Achieve a crunchy, golden crust that stays crisp.
  • Juicy & Tender: Chicken thighs remain moist and flavorful inside.
  • Classic Comfort Food: Perfect for dinner, lunch, or special occasions.
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create a delicious dish without fuss.
  • Easy Technique: With the right frying method, you can replicate this at home.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants crispy fried chicken at home, rivaling any restaurant or pub.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken:

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a mild kick)

For the Flour Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For Frying:

  • 2–3 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for shallow frying)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is key for a crispy crust.
  2. Season the chicken on all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

2. Prepare the Flour Coating

  1. In a large shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Shake off excess flour.

3. Heat the Oil

  1. In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2–3 cups of oil over medium heat.
  2. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Too hot and the crust burns; too cool and the chicken becomes greasy.

4. Fry the Chicken

  1. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil.
  2. Fry for 8–10 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a steady temperature.
  3. Flip halfway through to achieve an even, golden-brown crust.
  4. Use a thermometer to check internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Drain and Rest

  • Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this keeps the meat juicy and allows the crust to stay crisp.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

  • Dry Chicken: Patting chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness.
  • Proper Oil Temperature: Maintain 350°F (175°C) to ensure golden, crunchy chicken without greasiness.
  • Do Not Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of frying.
  • Press the Flour: Ensure the flour coating sticks for maximum crunch.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allows juices to redistribute and keeps the crust from becoming soggy.

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Irish Style: Add extra cayenne or crushed red pepper to the flour coating.
  • Herb-Infused: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the flour for aromatic notes.
  • Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the chicken immediately after frying.
  • Smoky Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
  • Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the flour mixture for a subtle citrus kick.

These variations allow you to customize the fried chicken for different occasions, flavor profiles, or family preferences.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Pair with Irish soda bread or dinner rolls for a classic twist.
  • Offer dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy chili sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store fried chicken in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven to restore crunch.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, 1 chicken thigh)

  • Calories: ~300
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 0.5g

(Values may vary depending on chicken size and oil used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce frying time to 5–7 minutes per side since boneless pieces cook faster.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for crispiness.

Do I need a thermometer for the oil?
While optional, it helps maintain proper frying temperature and ensures consistent results.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Rest on a wire rack, not directly on paper towels, to prevent steam from softening the crust.

Why This Recipe Works

This oven-fried Irish-style chicken works because:

  • Patting the chicken dry removes moisture that prevents crisping.
  • Correct oil temperature ensures the coating fries instead of absorbs oil.
  • Well-seasoned flour creates layers of flavor in every bite.
  • Resting after frying preserves juiciness while keeping the crust crunchy.

Combining these techniques results in crispy, flavorful chicken that stays juicy and tender inside.

Final Thoughts

These Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of comfort food, crispiness, and rich flavor. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions. By following these steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken at home without the hassle.

With optional seasoning variations, side pairings, and tips for perfect crispiness, this recipe is versatile, reliable, and delicious. Fry, rest, serve, and enjoy—these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite.

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