Crispy Mayonnaise Chicken Thighs

Growing up in the ’70s in our rustic Iowa farmhouse kitchen, the dinner table was a place of unity for our family of six. One of us kids, assigned to set the table, would place a jar of Hellman’s mayonnaise, saucers of sliced bread, and fresh sweet green onions from our bountiful garden.

More than a mere condiment, Hellman’s mayonnaise was a steadfast companion in our cherished family routines. It lent a creamy touch to mashed potatoes and gave French fries a flavorful dip. But the real delight was crafting half-onion sandwiches, a Southern tradition passed down from my mother, Betty Rose, and grandparents, Frank and Ollie May, from the majestic Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. These simple yet charming moments remain etched in my memory.

The cherished memories from my childhood have inspired many of my recipes. One such recipe, which brings back these vivid memories and celebrates our family tradition, is Crispy Mayonnaise Chicken Thighs. Let’s dive into it now.

Mayonnaise is a versatile ingredient that can transform a dish while keeping the chicken moist and juicy. For this recipe, you might want to try different flavors of mayo. Classic, Dijon, garlic-infused, or chipotle mayo from Hellmann’s or Duke’s can each give a unique twist to your Crispy Mayo Chicken Thighs. If you’re a fan of garlic, stirring crushed garlic or garlic powder into classic mayo can add a quick flavor boost.

Breadcrumbs are another area where you can experiment. You might prefer herb-infused breadcrumbs, like Progresso’s Italian blend, or you could make your own with rosemary or thyme. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can enhance the crunch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not make your own breadcrumbs? It’s a great way to use up stale bread. Just cut or tear the bread into small pieces and toast them in a low-temperature oven until dry but not browned. Once cooled, crush the toasted bread into fine crumbs. You can even add herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. With these variations, you can make it your own. If you’re interested in further enhancing your culinary skills, I recommend checking out the articles on “Today” and “Just Cook by ButcherBox”. These resources offer valuable tips that can help you master the art of baking chicken. Enjoy the process and the delicious result! Happy cooking!

Crispy Mayonnaise Chicken Thighs

Crispy Mayonnaise Chicken Thighs offer an exterior crunch, while maintaining interior moisture and tenderness. Their preparation is effortless, involving a coating of mayonnaise and seasoned breadcrumbs. This dish is quick to assemble and delivers a crispy, delicious bite.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (As may chicken pieces as you choose)
• mayonnaise (A heaping tablespoon for each thigh)
• dry, seasoned breadcrumbs (A heaping tablespoon for each thigh)

Equipment

• A baking sheet. (Option to line with aluminum foil for easy clean up)

Method

 

1. Take chicken out of refrigerator for tempering. Pat dry with paper towels. (see notes)
2. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 425℉.
3. Place mayonnaise and breadcrumbs in separate bowls to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Foil and spray the baking sheet with cooking spray.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs on the baking sheet. Apply a dollop of mayonnaise on each thigh, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mayonnaise, pressing them down to adhere.
7. Bake in the preheated oven util the breadcrumbs achieve a deep golden-brown color, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Notes

• To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes. This process, known as tempering, ensures even cooking and juiciness. Prep the chicken first, let it temper, then turn on the oven, ensuring it’s ready for cooking.

• Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for enhanced flavor and even cooking. If you’re pressed for time, boneless thighs are a convenient choice, needing only 18-20 minutes at 425°F.
• While skin-on chicken thighs offer a delicious, crispy layer that keeps the meat juicy, skinless thighs, though an option, tend to be slightly drier. Cooking with the skin on provides added benefits, even if you choose not to consume it.
• If you require plain chicken meat for another recipe, season bone-in thighs with salt, pepper, and a touch of oil. Bake them and skip the mayonnaise and additional seasonings. For a golden-brown top, broil for 5 minutes, monitoring the oven carefully.

 

 

 

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