Description
These crispy baked chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Marinated in a savory blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and spices, then coated in a garlic butter and breadcrumb mixture, they bake to golden-brown perfection. The outside is wonderfully crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (parsley, oregano, or Italian mix)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plain or panko) or fried flour for a gluten-free option
- Water
- Salt for soaking
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Soak the chicken thighs in a bowl of diluted salt water (1 teaspoon salt per 4 cups water) for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any impurities and ensures crispy skin. Make a few shallow cuts on the chicken thighs to help the marinade penetrate.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Pre-bake the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: While the chicken is pre-baking, prepare the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, melted butter, dried herbs, and bread crumbs (or fried flour). Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter and Finish Baking: Flip the chicken thighs in the air fryer. Bake for another 10 minutes. Then, evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the top of each chicken thigh. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of the savory marinade and the rich garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Crispy Skin: Soaking the chicken in salt water and baking at a high temperature ensures perfectly crispy skin.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Juicy and Tender: The pre-baking step helps to lock in the chicken’s natural juices, resulting in tender and moist meat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Add a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Tips:
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels before marinating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; bake the chicken in batches if necessary.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per serving, approximate) Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
These crispy baked chicken thighs with garlic butter are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich garlic butter flavor makes them an irresistible dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
DRINK Rating:
This dish pairs well with:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Beer: A light lager or pale ale.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a lemon wedge.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can, but the cooking time will be shorter, and the skin won’t get as crispy. Reduce the pre-baking time to 5 minutes and the final baking time to 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Can I use different herbs in the garlic butter mixture?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
- You can use crushed crackers, crushed cornflakes, or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Fried flour also works.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prepare the garlic butter mixture separately and store it in the refrigerator as well. Assemble and bake the chicken just before serving.
