Crispy golden brown chicken thighs resting on paper towels.

🍗 Crispy and Delicious Chicken Thighs – Juicy Inside, Golden Outside!

By Tima Gaye

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Crispy chicken thighs are the ultimate comfort food — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

🎥 Unlock the Crispy Chicken Thighs Quiz Answers

Watch a quick ad, then test your kitchen smarts with this golden & juicy chicken quiz! 🍗🔥

(After watching, the correct quiz answers will appear below!)

🧠 Quick Quiz: Crispy Chicken Thighs Challenge

  1. What ingredient makes the chicken skin extra crispy after frying?
  2. Which spice gives the coating its beautiful reddish color?
  3. What’s added to help the flour stick evenly to the chicken?
  4. Which ingredient gives the chicken that juicy, flavorful inside?
  5. What’s the main purpose of the vinegar in this recipe?

💡 Tip: Think crispy outside, juicy inside — balance between spice and crunch!

Introduction

Crispy chicken thighs are the ultimate comfort food — crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you fry or bake them, this easy recipe guarantees golden, delicious results every time.

If you love bold and simple recipes, this recipe will become a family favoritewill become a family favorite.

🎥 Watch the Recipe

See how these Crispy Chicken Thighs come together — step by step, fried to golden perfection with juicy flavor inside.

💙 Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe

  • Golden brown and crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside
  • Simple spices, pantry ingredients, and no complicated steps
  • Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep
  • Easy to pair with rice, salad, or your favorite sides
  • That satisfying crunch makes every bite irresistible

🧂 Ingredients

🍗 For the Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (powder or paste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 seasoning cube (or 1 tsp of your favorite spice mix)
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 egg

🌾 For the Coating

  • ½ tablespoon cornflour
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tablespoons paprika powder
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • Oil for deep frying

Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs into a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, salt, black pepper, vinegar, crushed seasoning cube, and all-purpose seasoning.

Using clean hands or a spoon, mix thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful marinade. This step is key — it infuses the chicken with bold seasoning that will shine through once the thighs are roasted.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight. The longer the chicken rests in the marinade, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.

Raw chicken thighs in a mixing bowl topped with paprika, garlic, and seasoning, ready for marination.

Coat the Chicken in Egg Wash

Instead of preparing the egg wash separately, crack the egg directly into the bowl with your marinated chicken. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything thoroughly so the egg coats each piece evenly.

This simple method saves time and ensures the egg clings to the seasoning, helping the crispy flour coating stick firmly when frying. By the end, your chicken should be glossy and ready for dredging in flour.

Marinated chicken thighs being dipped into whisked egg wash for coating.

Mix the Seasoned Flour

In a separate bowl, create the coating mixture that will make your chicken irresistibly crunchy. Combine:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornflour
  • Paprika powder
  • A pinch of salt

Mix everything together until evenly combined. This seasoned flour blend will stick beautifully to the egg-washed chicken, giving it that golden, crispy texture we all love.

Flour and spices in a mixing bowl for crispy chicken coating.

Dredge the Chicken in Flour

Take each egg-coated chicken thigh and dredge it generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Turn it over a few times to make sure it’s fully covered.

👉 Tip: Press the chicken lightly into the flour so the coating adheres well. This little trick ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.

Once coated, shake off any excess flour and place the chicken on a tray or plate. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before frying — this allows the coating to bind firmly to the chicken, preventing it from falling off in the hot oil.

Chicken thigh coated in seasoned flour for frying.

Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering. To test, drop in a tiny pinch of flour — if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Carefully lower the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is beautifully golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.

👉 The key here is balance: keep the oil hot enough for crispiness, but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.

Once done, transfer the chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Chicken thighs frying in hot oil for crispy texture.

Drain, Rest & Serve

Once your chicken thighs are fried to golden perfection, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil while keeping that crispy crust intact.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes — this not only cools it slightly for safer eating but also allows the juices inside to settle, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Finally, serve your crispy chicken thighs hot and fresh. Whether paired with fries, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

👉 Get ready for compliments — these golden beauties are crunchy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside!

Crispy golden brown chicken thighs resting on paper towels.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up.
  • Let the chicken marinate as long as possible for deeper flavor.
  • Use cornflour or a mix of cornflour and plain flour for a perfect crispy crust.
  • Fry skin-side down first to render the fat and crisp it up nicely.
  • Drain on a rack instead of paper towels to keep the chicken crispy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 35–40 minutes or until crispy and fully cooked.

Do I have to use cornflour?

Cornflour gives the crispiest finish, but plain flour or a mix works too.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

You can, but thighs stay juicier and crisp up better when fried.

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🔥 Tip: Learn more about safe chicken cooking temperatures from FoodSafety.gov to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.


💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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