Fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs are a comforting and satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite. This recipe guarantees tender meat that practically falls apart with the slightest touch, making it perfect for hearty dinners or gatherings.
why make this recipe
Chicken thighs are known for their rich flavor and juicy texture, making them an ideal cut for roasting and baking. They are often more affordable than chicken breasts and, when prepared correctly, provide a delightful culinary experience. This recipe for fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs not only promises ease of preparation but also delivers a savory and well-seasoned dish that everyone will love. Plus, with just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be amazed at how something so delicious can be so easy to make.
how to make Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
Making fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a flavorful meal that will impress both friends and family.
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Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even cooking environment for your chicken.
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help the seasonings stick better.
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In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
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Drizzle the chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. I find using my hands to coat them evenly works best, and it’s a bit fun too!
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Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
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Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until they are golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
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Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 cloves of chopped garlic to the skillet. You’ll notice a lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and the juices clear.
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Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Pro Tips for Success Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
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Don’t Rush the Searing: Taking the time to properly sear the chicken thighs skin-side down will create a beautiful crust and add depth of flavor.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee that your chicken is perfectly cooked, using a meat thermometer will help you check its doneness accurately.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps to lock in the juices, resulting in tender, moist meat.
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Adjust the Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
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Save the Pan Juices: The broth and drippings at the bottom of the skillet make a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken before serving.
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Try Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining the chicken thighs in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking.
Flavor Variations Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the spice mix for a fragrant “herby” twist.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the seasoning for a bright flavor that uplifts the dish.
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BBQ Style: Swap out the smoked paprika for your favorite BBQ seasoning and serve it with a classic BBQ sauce for grilling season.
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Asian-Inspired: Utilize soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil instead of olive oil and spices to create a quick Asian-inspired chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
These fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs are incredibly versatile in their pairing options. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich flavor of the chicken pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes, which can soak up the delicious drippings.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes to create a healthy balance.
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Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken with a side of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to complement the savory flavors.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this delicious dish), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain freshness.
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Refrigeration: Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Consider adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————-|———–|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 610mg |
FAQ About Fall-off-the-bone Chicken Thighs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but be aware that they will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for chicken thighs?
If you can’t find chicken thighs or prefer another cut, chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts can be used as substitutes. Just note that cooking times may vary.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
To reduce the calorie count, you might consider removing the chicken skin before cooking, using less oil, or increasing the vegetable side dishes.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the spice mix and olive oil before cooking can enhance the flavors even further. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs go well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, coleslaw, or pasta salad. The key is to choose sides that will balance the richness of the chicken.
H2: Final Thoughts
Creating fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs is an enjoyable experience that leads to a delicious meal. This recipe leverages simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to deliver flavorful results. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delightful meal, and revel in the compliments that follow!
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Fall-off-the-Bone Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender and flavorful chicken thighs that fall off the bone, perfect for hearty dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the chicken thighs.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and chopped garlic to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra juicy chicken, consider brining the chicken thighs before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
