Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are baked in a cast iron skillet until the outside is golden and ultra crispy and the inside is juicy and perfectly cooked. They are the perfect family-friendly weeknight dinner!

Have you ever heard the saying, Winner winner chicken dinner? I'm sure you have. Here's the thing about the whole winner winner chicken dinner thing. I'm not sure if it's supposed to imply that someone is winning a dinner featuring delicious chicken, or implying that the chicken itself is so good that it's a winner.

Baffling, right? Or maybe I'm the only one who ponders these things. That wouldn't surprise me in the least.

Either way, as far as this particular chicken recipe is concerned, we're going to go with the latter explanation because, by God, this recipe is a winner!

If you are into uber crispy skin on your chicken, you are going to adore this easy recipe. Several things can be attributed to that perfect crunchy skin.

First, we'll look at the vessel you're going to cook the chicken in. We're going with a cast iron skillet that is already hot when the chicken is added to it. The cast iron is going to give the skin that even, gorgeous, golden color.

Swoon-worthy, amirite?

The kind of breadcrumbs you use is also really important. Make sure you use the chunky style Japanese breadcrumbs, also know as panko breadcrumbs. They are key when it comes to getting that extra-crispy crunch. You can find them at the store on the shelf right next to the regular breadcrumbs.

The panko breadcrumbs are mixed with a little bit of parmesan cheese because, duh, cheese is amazing, and also a variety of spices. If you're missing some of the spices listed, I implore you to spring for them at the store instead of substituting them for something else because this breading mix in on point. I promise it's worth it! Especially that smoked paprika. Seriously, just do it.

Once you try this baked chicken recipe, you are going to want to make it again and again!

We eat chicken all of the time in our house, so I thought I'd share a few more of our favorite chicken recipes from the archives:

Pictured:
Mustard Cheddar Chicken
The Best Dry-Rubbed Grilled Chicken
White Cheddar Chicken and Zucchini Skillet

If you end up trying this oven-fried chicken recipe, I hope you love it as much as we do. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Enjoy!

Yield: 4 servings

Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs are baked in a cast iron skillet until the outside is golden and ultra crispy and the inside is juicy and perfectly cooked.

  prep time: 10 MINcook time: 45 MINtotal time: 55 MIN 

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken thighs
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Put the butter in your cast iron skillet and place the skillet into the oven to melt the butter.

2. Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and the water. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil and black pepper.

3. Dip the chicken thighs in the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto each piece. Place the thighs skin side down in the pan of melted butter.

4. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, flip, then continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes.

NOTES

Author: Becky

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