Bring the cozy, hearty flavors of Ireland to your kitchen with these Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs. Made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and baked until golden and crunchy, this dish delivers that comforting, fried chicken feel—without the deep-fryer.
Infused with traditional Irish herbs, a hint of buttermilk, and optionally brushed with rich Irish butter, this twist on classic fried chicken pairs perfectly with rustic sides like mashed potatoes, sautéed cabbage, or colcannon. It’s the ideal dinner for St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday supper, or any night you crave something warm and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Irish-Inspired Chicken
Crispy & Baked, Not Fried – Oven-crisped to perfection with no deep-frying needed.
Irish Flavor Twist – Features herbs like thyme, parsley, and optional Irish butter.
Juicy Inside, Crunchy Outside – Bone-in chicken keeps it extra tender.
Perfect for All Seasons – Cozy enough for winter, easy enough for spring.
Pairs with Irish Favorites – Think mashed potatoes, cabbage, or soda bread.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup buttermilk (for soaking – optional but adds flavor & tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted Irish butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground mustard or cayenne (optional for kick)
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or cornstarch
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Marinate in Buttermilk (Optional)
For extra tenderness and flavor, soak chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Pat dry before seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for better airflow.
Step 3: Season & Coat
In a small bowl, mix flour (or cornstarch) with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and mustard/cayenne if using. Pat chicken dry and coat thoroughly with the seasoning blend. Lightly brush each piece with olive oil or melted Irish butter.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Place chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Rest & Garnish
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for an extra pop of Irish flavor.
What to Serve With Irish Oven-Fried Chicken
Pair your crispy thighs with traditional Irish or Irish-inspired sides like:
- Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale)
- Butter-Glazed Carrots
- Sautéed Cabbage
- Irish Soda Bread
- Roasted Baby Potatoes with Herbs
- Grainy Mustard Slaw
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy. Avoid the microwave for best texture.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
Final Thoughts
Extra Crispy Irish Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs combine the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with comforting Irish ingredients and cozy vibes. Whether you’re planning a festive Irish meal or just want a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish delivers big flavor without the fuss. 🍀🍗🥔
Hashtags for Sharing
#IrishChicken #OvenFriedChicken #HealthyFriedChicken #CrispyChickenThighs #StPatricksDayDinner #RusticIrishMeals #ChickenThighRecipes #BakedNotFried #SimpleIrishCooking #WholesomeComfortFood