Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs with Buttermilk & Herbs

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy a comforting, golden-crusted dish straight from the Emerald Isle? Few things rival the joy of perfectly crispy chicken, especially when it’s made in the oven—no deep fryer needed! 🍗✨

This traditional Irish-inspired recipe brings together humble ingredients—tender chicken thighs, tangy buttermilk, and fragrant herbs—to create something extraordinary. The buttermilk bath tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle richness, while a well-seasoned coating of herbs, flour, and a touch of spice delivers that coveted crunch. It’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and nourishing, one that could easily have graced a farmhouse table on a Sunday afternoon.

The beauty of this oven-fried method lies in its balance: it keeps the spirit of old-fashioned fried chicken alive, but with a lighter, more wholesome twist. Served alongside buttery mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a rustic loaf of soda bread, it’s a meal that captures the essence of Irish home cooking—hearty, honest, and deeply satisfying. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to bring the warmth of tradition to your table! ☘️

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Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Coating:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup fine breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a gentle heat)

For Baking:

• 4 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil (sunflower or canola)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, mustard, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—preferably overnight. This step is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, sage, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. The blend of herbs gives the chicken its Irish countryside aroma and flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle half of the melted butter (or oil) evenly over the surface.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove each thigh from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick. Place the coated chicken skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
5. Bake for the First Round:
   Bake for 25 minutes. This will allow the underside to develop a rich golden hue while sealing in the juices.
6. Flip and Finish:
   Turn the chicken pieces over carefully with tongs. Drizzle with the remaining butter or oil. Continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the chicken is crisp, golden-brown, and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
   Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This lets the crust set beautifully while keeping the inside juicy.
8. Serving Ideas:
   Pair your crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered cabbage, or a side of colcannon for a truly Irish comfort meal. A drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon can also add a lovely finishing touch. 🍋

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
🔥 Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
⏳ Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 4

This oven-fried chicken offers a hearty serving of protein with a balance of wholesome fats from the buttermilk and olive oil. The herbs lend antioxidants, and baking instead of frying keeps it lighter while preserving that perfect crunch.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️