5 Delicious Fried Chicken Thighs Recipes You'll Love

Fried Chicken Thighs with Buttermilk Brine

Marinating chicken in buttermilk is an old technique to keep the meat tender and juicy. Here’s how to make this finger-licking good version of fried chicken thighs:

• Ingredients:
• 10 chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

🔑 Note: The key to success here is the marinating time. Ideally, you should marinate the chicken overnight, but 4-6 hours will still yield good results.

Double Dipped Honey Garlic Fried Chicken Thighs

This recipe adds layers of flavor with a honey-garlic sauce:

• Ingredients:
• 8 chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
• 1 tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Combine buttermilk, ¹⁄₂ of each spice in a bowl, marinate chicken for 1 hour.
2. Prepare flour mix with remaining spices.
3. Heat oil, dredge thighs in flour, dip again in buttermilk, and re-coat in flour.
4. Fry chicken at 350°F (175°C) until crispy, golden brown.
5. Make a sauce by mixing honey, garlic, soy sauce, and water; cook until thickened.
6. Toss fried thighs in the sauce before serving.

💡 Note: Double dipping ensures a crisp and chunky batter.

Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Thighs

For a spicy kick:

• Ingredients:
• 12 chicken thighs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Ginger, finely grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 tbsp water
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Mix cornstarch, flour, and salt for the batter.
2. Dip thighs in batter and fry at 350°F until golden.
3. Prepare sauce by combining remaining ingredients, cook until thick.
4. Re-fry thighs for extra crisp, then coat in sauce.

🔥 Note: The double frying method ensures a crispy exterior with a moist interior.

Lemon and Herb Fried Chicken Thighs

Give your chicken a zesty flair:

• Ingredients:
• 8 chicken thighs
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 tbsp each: thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley
• ¹⁄₂ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Mix herbs, lemon zest, juice, buttermilk for marinating.
2. Coat in flour, then breadcrumbs/panko.
3. Fry until crispy, keep warm in oven if making in batches.

🌿 Note: Fresh herbs really bring this dish to life; dried can work but fresh is better for that authentic taste.

Southern Style Fried Chicken Thighs with Hot Sauce

For those who love some heat:

• Ingredients:
• 10 chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• ¹⁄₄ cup hot sauce
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Combine buttermilk and hot sauce, marinate chicken overnight.
2. Mix flour with spices.
3. Fry chicken thighs at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the cayenne for less or more heat.

In wrapping up our delicious journey through the world of fried chicken thighs, let’s savor the flavors and techniques we’ve explored. Each recipe has its unique charm, from the classic buttermilk brine to the zesty lemon and herb, from the intense heat of Southern-style with hot sauce to the intricate flavors of Korean fried chicken, and the indulgent honey garlic sauce. Remember to give yourself time to marinate and prepare, ensuring every bite delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal, these recipes offer a variety of options to satisfy every craving.

Can I make fried chicken thighs without buttermilk?

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Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar (1 tablespoon per cup of milk) to achieve a similar tenderizing effect.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken?

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Use oils with high smoke points like peanut oil or canola oil for frying chicken. They handle high heat well and don’t impart strong flavors to the chicken.

How do I keep fried chicken crispy after cooking?

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To maintain crispiness, place cooked chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. If not serving immediately, keep it warm in a low oven. Avoid covering the chicken which can trap steam and make the coating soggy.

Related Terms:

• fried chicken thighs recipe
• Fried chicken breast
• Skillet Chicken Thighs
• chicken pan seared
• Fried chicken drumsticks
• Skillet chicken