Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a signature Old Bay spice blend, perfect for a Maryland-inspired weeknight dinner. This american-inspired easter ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, cornstarch, Old Bay seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Dredge each thigh in the cornstarch mixture, then coat in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer). Fry chicken thighs in batches for 12-14 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Old Bay-Spiced Fried Chicken Thighs?

American easter like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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