Forget dry, boring chicken breasts! This recipe for crispy chicken thighs will change your weeknight dinners forever. Juicy, flavorful, and boasting an unbelievably crunchy exterior, these thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We're not just talking about any old fried chicken; this recipe elevates the classic with a simple yet sophisticated savory green onion butter sauce that perfectly complements the rich, tender meat. Imagine the satisfying crunch with each bite, the burst of juicy chicken, followed by the delightful tang of the green onion butter – pure deliciousness.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks. The secret lies in a few simple techniques that guarantee perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat every time. Ready to transform your chicken game? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible Crispy Chicken Thighs with Savory Green Onion Butter Sauce.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Knife
- Chopping board
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 300-350g
- Green onions: 1/2 long onion (all green parts)
- Grated ginger: 1/2 tablespoon
- Salt
- Soy sauce
- Butter
- Sake
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Crisp the Chicken
- Cut chicken thighs into 1.5cm wide pieces. Pay attention to the skin, using the knife to cut smoothly along the back before tilting slightly and pulling quickly towards you to avoid tearing the skin.
- Place chicken skin-side down in a cold frying pan with a thin layer of oil. Line them up and cook on low heat after the pan warms up. This allows the oil to render from the skin, making it crispy.
- Sprinkle salt over the chicken.
- Once the chicken is browned, flip it over and continue cooking.
Step 2. Make the Savory Green Onion Butter Sauce
- Finely chop the green onions diagonally. Make diagonal cuts from one end halfway up, flip over, and repeat on the other side. Then chop into small pieces.
- Stir-fry grated ginger in the chicken oil, then add green onions and stir-fry until softened.
- Add sake to the pan.
- Peel off any meat stuck to the pan using chopsticks.
- Season with salt, soy sauce and then melt butter into the sauce. Mix well.
- Add coarsely ground black pepper.
Read more: Chikuwa Isobeage Recipe: Crispy Fish Cake Tempura
Tips
- Cutting the chicken skin: Place the knife on the back and cut smoothly. When you hit the skin, tilt the knife slightly and pull it quickly towards you.
- Grilling the chicken: Start with a cold pan and cook on low heat to render the fat and crisp the skin.
- Making the sauce: Slowly stir-fry the green onions and ginger in chicken oil to bring out their sweetness and flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?
Both work great! Bone-in thighs will be slightly more flavorful and juicy, but boneless are quicker to cook.
2. How can I make sure my chicken thighs are extra crispy?
Ensure your chicken is completely dry before cooking, and don't overcrowd the pan. A high cooking temperature helps achieve maximum crispiness.
3. Can I make the green onion butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before serving.
These crispy chicken thighs with savory green onion butter sauce are a recipe you'll want to make again and again. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious taste – happy cooking!