Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe

Ever wondered what crispy sunlight tastes like? Get ready to crack the code with these tantalizingly addictive crispy chicken skins that’ll make every bite feel like a little victory over ordinary snacks.

I love the irresistible crunch of crispy chicken skin. Using chicken with skin on, my recipe highlights olive oil and spices like garlic and onion powder, enhancing both texture and flavor.

With no more than a tablespoon of olive oil, it’s a surprisingly flavorful way to enjoy lean protein.

Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: High in protein, provides savoriness and juiciness, source of B-vitamins.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, adds richness, enhances flavor, and helps crisp the skin.
• Salt: Enhances flavors, helps draw out moisture for crispiness, essential for seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat, enhances depth of flavor, antioxidant properties.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory umami, rich in antioxidants, offers a mild garlic flavor.
• Paprika: Adds subtle sweetness, offers a hint of smokiness, rich in antioxidants.

Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts, with skin on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

How to Make this Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Carefully remove the skin from the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring you keep the skin intact.

3. Pat the chicken skins dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which ensures they get crispy.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

5. Place the chicken skins on the prepared baking sheet, and use a brush to coat both sides evenly with the seasoned oil mixture.

6. Arrange the skins flat on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

7. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the chicken skins and press down lightly.

8. Weigh down the parchment paper with a second baking sheet or an oven-safe heavy object to prevent the skins from curling as they cook.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are golden brown and crispy.

10. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and enjoy the crispy chicken skins as a delicious snack or topping.

Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Paper towels
6. Small bowl
7. Measuring spoons
8. Brush
9. Second baking sheet or an oven-safe heavy object

FAQ

• What type of chicken pieces should I use?

  Both thighs and breasts work well, as long as the skin is left on for maximum crispiness.

• Can I use a different type of oil?

  Yes, you can use any high smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil instead of olive oil.

• How do I ensure the skin turns out crispy?

  Make sure the skin is dry before applying the oil and seasoning, and cook it skin-side down to start.

• Can I make this ahead of time?

  It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

• How long should I cook the chicken for?

  Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

• Is there a substitute for paprika?

  Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can be used if you want a hint of smokiness or heat.

Crispy Chicken Skin Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil:
• avocado oil
• melted butter
• Salt:
• sea salt
• kosher salt
• Black pepper:
• white pepper
• Garlic powder:
• granulated garlic
• fresh minced garlic
• Onion powder:
• granulated onion
• shallot powder

Pro Tips

1. For extra crispiness, refrigerate the chicken skins uncovered after patting them dry. This allows them to air-dry, removing additional moisture that could prevent them from crisping up during baking.

2. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicier kick. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference to add more flavor depth.

3. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika. This can add an additional layer of flavor complexity to the chicken skins.

4. To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. This helps account for any hotspots in your oven.

5. Experiment with adding some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, under the parchment paper for an aromatic infusion during baking. The herbs can subtly enhance the flavor of the chicken skins.