Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken thigh that's bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness – without the mess of deep frying! This Cheddar Garlic Oven Fried Chicken is about to revolutionize your dinner game, offering restaurant-quality flavor right from your home oven. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's incredibly easy to make but tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks completely and covers the entire surface of the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate and create crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better coating adhesion.
- Use fresh, finely shredded cheddar cheese for the most intense flavor and best melting properties.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – leave space between chicken pieces to allow hot air circulation and achieve those irresistible crispy edges.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in those delicious juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or add a sprinkle of parmesan for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
