Juicy Fried Gluten Free Chicken Thigh Recipe [Easy 30 min meal]

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a crispy, satisfying dinner but you had to pause and ask “is this gluten free?” – I can feel how overwhelming it can be, especially when most fried chicken recipes all for flour-heavy coatings or complicated steps. That’s why this gluten-free chicken thigh recipe will be a complete game-changer for anyone looking for simplicity, taste, and peace of mind, and also some gluten-free gems all in one skillet and within 30 minutes.

So, whether you are craving a nice dish for a busy weeknight, weekend, or making some delicious family dinner, this recipe will definitely be for you. To know everything, just keep reading until the end. Don’t miss the end as I included some delicious serving suggestions as well as some PRO tips that will actually make you an experienced cook. So, keep reading!

Why Is This Recipe Gluten Free?

Gluten is basically found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. Usually, when you think about fried chicken, you’ll probably think that you coat the chicken thighs with wheat or some other sort of gluten products and then fry them. That’s the ideal fried chicken recipe, right? At least it seems to be.

But in this recipe, we have not used any kind of gluten products. Just three main ingredients that is chicken thighs, salt and pepper, and canola oil – that’s it. So, now you know that this recipe is completely gluten-free.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients that you’ll need to make this recipe:

1. 6 standard-sized boneless skinless chicken thighs
2. Salt and pepper to taste
3. 1/8 Cup of canola oil

That’s it! With just these 3 ingredients, we will be making a super delicious gluten-free fried chicken recipe. Once you have all of them, let’s move on to the next part, which is all about the instructions.

Instruction

Here’s how you can make this delicious recipe:

1. First off, pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel and cut off all the excess fat if you want. I always cut them off as I don’t like the excess fat on the thighs. When you are done with cutting and drying, season the thighs with salt and pepper to taste on both sides.
2. Now, heat a pan and put 1/8 cup of canola oil in it. But this little amount of oil is only applicable when the thighs have fat. Because when the fat is dissolved, there will be more oil in the pan. But if you have cut off the fat, then just add 1/2 cup of canola oil to it.
3. When the oil is hot and put the chicken thighs in it and sear them for 10 minutes on the bottom side.
4. After 10 minutes, check if the bottom of the thighs has a nice brown color. If it has, then flip it over to the other side and let it cook for another 10 minutes. After those 10 minutes, flip again and cook for around 5 more minutes per side.
5. Now, bring them out of the pan and serve them whatever you want, and enjoy!

That’s all the processes you need to follow to make it. But, below, there are some pro tips from me that can make your recipe even more delicious and gorgeous. Check below!

Tips for Cooking

Here are some of the tips that I think will level up the recipe:

1. Use a meat thermometer for perfection: When you are finishing the recipe, why not be sure with the colors? Always have a meat thermometer handy, and when you are going to turn the stove off, always check if the internal temperature of the chicken is above 165°F. If it’s no, then you need to cook further, and if it’s yes, then it’s safe for human consumption.
2. Marinate for Flavor Boost (Optional): As we all know that marination helps the chicken to absorb the seasonings and juices very well. So, as I have suggested in almost all of my recipes, try to marinate the seasoned chicken with salt, pepper, and a splash of oil or lemon juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours before frying. You can even add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs for a more complex taste.
3. Use a cast iron or heavy-bottom pan: When you are gonna fry the thighs, always try to use a cast iron or heavy-bottom pan. These types of pans retain heat better and give your chicken an even sear and golden crust.
4. Deglaze the pan for quick sauce: After frying, remove the chicken and use a splash of gluten-free broth or wine to deglaze the pan. Now, simmer for a minute and pour it over the chicken as a quick, flavorful pan sauce. And trust me, I have personally tried it and the sauce was so flavor-matched with the chicken I can’t express.
5. Don’t skip the resting time: It is applicable to all of the recipes. When you are done cooking, don’t skip the resting time at all. When you let the chicken thighs rest at last, it helps the flavors to spread through properly and provide a more lavish taste. For this recipe, I would suggest you to rest the thighs for at least 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

What To Serve With This Gluten Free Chicken Thigh Recipe?

Confused or running out of ideas about what to serve with this gluten-free chicken thigh recipe? Check below. I have not tested all of them, but they will pair well with these delicious chicken thighs!

1. Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes seasoned with roasted garlic can make a super comforting side dish that you can serve with this recipe. They will pair beautifully with this crispy chicken.
2. Steamed or sautéed vegetables: You can try broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a mix of bell peppers and zucchini. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt for flavor.
3. Gluten-free rice pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs, onions, and a touch of lemon zest adds brightness and balances the richness of the chicken.
4. Quinoa or brown rice: For a healthier option, this fiber-rich grain option absorbs the chicken juices and brings a nutty flavor.

Recipe Card

Other Chicken Thigh Recipes You Might Like

If you are craving a delicious chicken thigh recipe, then you can check these out below:

1. Boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe
2. Ninja woodfire grill chicken thighs recipe
3. Smoked chicken thighs recipe
4. Blackened chicken thighs recipe
5. Chicken thigh recipe with ranch dressing

These are all sorts of fried chicken recipes, just with different flavors, but if you want to check them all, kindly check the list of all the chicken thigh recipes. See the lavish images, and choose whatever you want!

Conclusion

So, now you know all the steps and tips to make this amazingly delicious gluten-free chicken thighs recipe. If you have actually tried it at home, then please let me know in the comments. And if you have made something different than this one above or have some suggestions, then please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you.

For today, thanks for reading and happy cooking!