Juicy, crispy chicken without the deep fry.
Will Dickey
These Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs deliver a crackly-crisp coating with tender, juicy meat.
While many Southerners are fans of deep-fried chicken, this simple and mess-free version will surely satisfy.
Credit:Will Dickey
Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese provide a savory and satisfying coating on these oven-fried chicken thighs.
The chicken thighs are pounded into cutlets and baked on a wire rack.
Serve with a lemon slice and a fresh salad and wedge ofcornbreadoryeast roll.
Credit:Will Dickey
Chicken thighs can be purchased either boneless and skinless; bone-in and skin-on; or bone-in and skinless.
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs, which are crucial for pounding into a cutlet.
How Is Oven-Fried Chicken Different From Fried Chicken?
Credit:Will Dickey
This will help crisp up all sides of the chicken as the air circulates evenly around the food.
confirm your wire rack is oven safe.
Or keep it simple with a slab of cornbread and some steamed veggies.
Credit:Will Dickey
Thighs can be frozen before baking: Prepare the recipe entirely, and stop before cooking.
Bake thighs from frozen, though they will require a slightly longer cooking time.
Check thighs with an instant-read thermometer.
Cooked chicken should reach 165F.
Ingredients
2lbs.
boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed (6 thighs)
1/2cup (about 2 1/8 oz.)
all-purpose flour
2large eggs
2Tbsp.
black pepper
2 1/3cups seasoned panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
2oz.
Place 2 oven-safe wire racks inside 2 rimmed baking sheets.
Cover chicken with another layer of plastic wrap.
Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound chicken into an even 1/4-inch thickness.
Lightly beat eggs, water, salt, and pepper in a second wide shallow plate.
Stir together panko and Parmesan in a third wide shallow plate.
Place 3 chicken thighs on each wire rack, and coat tops of chicken liberally with cooking spray.
Serve chicken with lemon wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most chicken thighs will need about 25 minutes to fully bake in the oven.
We like to cook at 375F so it cooks quickly without burning the panko coating.
