The Best Crispy Chicken Thighs

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber; cornmeal gives a crunch.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds depth without high cost.

Preheat oven to 250°F (121°C).

Create a makeshift rack using an upside-down muffin tin covered with foil, poking holes in the foil to allow fat to drip off.

Place chicken thighs in a bag for mixing with spices.

Add baking powder, salt, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the bag with the chicken thighs.

Shake the bag to coat the chicken thighs evenly with the spice mixture.

Remove chicken thighs from the bag and shake off any excess seasonings before placing them on the makeshift rack.

Bake chicken thighs in the oven at 250°F for about 30 minutes.

Increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and move the oven rack up one position.

Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until chicken thighs are brown and crispy.

Check for crispiness and juiciness before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens