Golden Crispy Oven Chicken Thighs

Buttermilk baths are a Southern hallmark for juicy chicken with a crust that sticks. These golden crispy oven thighs lean on paprika-spiced flour and cornstarch plus a hot rack bake for shatter-crisp skin without frying.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 480 cal
• 38g protein
• 22g carbs
• 26g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• as needed cooking spray or oil

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels so the coating sticks better later. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
2. 2Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Toss or massage until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.
3. 3Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top; mist the rack lightly with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
4. 4In a shallow dish whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
5. 5Remove each thigh from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly so a thick crust forms on all sides.
6. 6Arrange the coated thighs skin-side up on the prepared rack, leaving space between pieces for air flow. Mist the tops generously with cooking spray or drizzle lightly with oil.
7. 7Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the coating is deep golden and crisp and an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads 175°F. The skin should look shatteringly crunchy.
8. 8If you want extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely so the crust browns without burning.
9. 9Rest the chicken on the rack for 5 minutes so juices settle and the crust stays crisp. Serve hot with your favorite sides and feel like the dinner hero.