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Crispy Nashville Hot Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

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This easy oven-fried chicken recipe delivers shatteringly crisp, spicy Nashville hot chicken thighs without the mess of deep frying. Juicy, flavorful, and customizable, it’s perfect for spice lovers and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 8) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, patted dry
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable) for spicy oil
  • Pickle chips (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 24 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray or brush the rack with oil.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, dip back into the buttermilk, then dredge again in the flour mixture for a double coating. Place skin-side up on the prepared rack.
  5. Spray chicken generously with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 175°F at the thickest point. Rotate pan halfway through baking.
  6. While chicken bakes, heat neutral oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Let bubble for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  7. Brush or spoon spicy oil over hot chicken thighs as soon as they come out of the oven. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve with pickle chips and white bread if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, don’t skip the double-dip breading. Marinate overnight for best flavor and juiciness. Adjust cayenne for desired heat level. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. For dairy-free, use oat milk with lemon juice. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, oven-fried chicken, spicy chicken thighs, Southern comfort food, easy baked chicken, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

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