Get ready to indulge in a finger-lickin’ good time with these 18 mouth-watering crispy fried chicken thigh recipes! From classic Southern-style comfort food to bold and spicy international twists, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From Buttermilk Fried Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey Drizzle to Smoky Paprika Fried Chicken Thighs, each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver that perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and indulgence. And the best part? You can customize them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
Stay tuned for our comprehensive guide on how to achieve crispy, golden-brown perfection every time – plus, discover new favorite flavors and techniques to take your fried chicken game to the next level.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey Drizzle
Get ready to savor the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and tangy flavors with this mouthwatering recipe. Crispy buttermilk fried chicken thighs meet the fiery kick of hot honey in a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Hot honey (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Fry chicken thighs in batches until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with Hot Honey Drizzle.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes for frying, plus marinating time.
Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Get ready to savor a classic Southern treat with these crispy fried chicken thighs that are sure to please! This recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Spicy Fried Chicken Thighs (Dakgangjeong)
A popular Korean street food, Dakgangjeong is a crispy and spicy fried chicken dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe uses a combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for an authentic spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, Gochujang, Gochugaru, sugar, and garlic.
2. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess, then coat with cornstarch mixture.
6. Fry for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese with the pungency of garlic. These crispy fried chicken thighs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured thighs in the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place the breaded thighs on a plate or tray.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Thighs
Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
Get ready to taste the spicy and crispy magic of Nashville-style hot fried chicken thighs!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
3. Dredge chicken thighs in the dry mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip coated chicken in the buttermilk, making sure they’re fully covered.
5. Dredge chicken in the dry mixture again, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Extra Crunchy Panko Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your fried chicken game with this easy recipe, featuring crispy panko breadcrumbs and a secret ingredient for added crunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– Buttermilk (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken thigh in the beaten eggs, then coat in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Place coated chicken thighs on a plate or tray. If desired, drizzle with buttermilk for extra moisture.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry chicken thighs in batches, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain fried chicken on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total
Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with this zesty twist on classic fried chicken. Crispy, flavorful, and bursting with citrusy goodness, these lemon pepper fried chicken thighs are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
7. Sprinkle lemon zest and minced garlic over the top of each thigh.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cajun Fried Chicken Thighs with Remoulade Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this classic recipe for Cajun Fried Chicken Thighs, served with a tangy and creamy Remoulade Sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve fried chicken with Remoulade Sauce (recipe below).
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Karaage Fried Chicken Thighs
Discover the crispy and juicy charm of Japanese Karaage-style fried chicken thighs, with a sweet and savory twist.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the wet ingredients and toss until coated.
4. Dredge the chicken thighs in the dry mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions (if using).
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Sweet and Sticky Soy Glazed Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your fried chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the crispiest exterior with a sticky, caramel-like glaze. Perfect for dinner or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat; let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Fry chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry; stir into the pan juices.
7. Cook glaze for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
8. Toss fried chicken in glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Fried Chicken Thighs with Blue Cheese Dip
This mouth-watering recipe combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings with crispy fried chicken thighs, served with a tangy blue cheese dip for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 8 ounces blue cheese crumbles
– 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry coated thighs in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Toss fried thighs with buffalo wing sauce to taste.
6. Serve with blue cheese crumbles and a dollop of ranch dressing for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Basil Fried Chicken Thighs with Chili Sauce
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Thailand with the comfort of crispy fried chicken, all wrapped up in a spicy and sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together Thai basil leaves, cornstarch, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and crispy.
4. Serve fried chicken thighs with chili sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your fried chicken game with this flavorful and crispy recipe, paired with a rich garlic aioli for dipping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Garlic Aioli (recipe below)
Garlic Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk, then coat in herb mixture, pressing gently.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Transfer to oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with Garlic Aioli for dipping.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Smoky Paprika Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your fried chicken game with this smoky twist on a classic comfort food. Smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to the crispy exterior, while the juicy interior stays tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry chicken thighs for 7-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 14-16 minutes
Maple Glazed Fried Chicken Thighs with Bacon
Elevate your fried chicken game with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe combines crispy bacon, tangy maple glaze, and juicy chicken thighs for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
6. Place fried chicken on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
7. Drizzle maple glaze over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Miso Fried Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the savory flavor of miso paste with a spicy kick, resulting in crispy and flavorful fried chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together miso paste, gochujang, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
3. Dip each thigh into the flour, shaking off excess, then the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Roll the thighs in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and crispy.
7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Sauce
Elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering combination of crispy fried chicken thighs and tangy honey mustard sauce. This classic Southern-inspired recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Honey Mustard Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels.
Honey Mustard Sauce:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Serve with fried chicken thighs.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes for frying, plus prep time.
Blackened Fried Chicken Thighs with Cajun Cream
Elevate your fried chicken game with this bold and flavorful recipe featuring blackened thighs smothered in a rich Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tsp blackening seasoning (such as Tony’s)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cajun Cream Sauce (recipe below)
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dredge chicken thighs in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured thighs in buttermilk, then coat with blackening seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Fry chicken in hot oil (about 350°F) for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with Cajun Cream Sauce.
Cajun Cream Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, whisking until smooth. Simmer over medium heat until heated through.
Cook Time: About 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the crispiest, most flavorful fried chicken thighs ever! This collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes offers a world of flavor and spice. From classic Southern-style to spicy Korean-inspired, there’s something for everyone. Try Buttermilk Fried Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey Drizzle or Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken Thighs for a comforting twist. Or, go bold with Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Thighs or Spicy Miso Fried Chicken Thighs. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver maximum crunch and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to please.
