Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Skins Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8-10 chicken skin pieces (from thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, trimmed off the meat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use chicken fat/tallow for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Skins
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the chicken skins crisp up beautifully.
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Prepare the chicken skins: If you’re using skin from chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, remove the meat, leaving the skin intact. If there’s any excess fat, trim it off but leave some for flavor and crispiness.
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Dry the skins: Pat the chicken skins dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dry skin will crisp up better when baked, so this step is essential for achieving that perfect crunch.
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Season the skins: Lay the chicken skins flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Drizzle the skins with olive oil (or chicken fat/tallow for richer flavor) and toss them to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken Skins
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Arrange the skins: Lay the chicken skins flat on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. The skins need space to crisp up, so avoid crowding them.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken skins for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of the skins. Check them around the 15-minute mark and adjust the cooking time as needed. The skins should turn golden brown and crispy around the edges. If some pieces get crispier than others, that’s okay—those are extra crunchy!
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Flip halfway through (optional): If you want even crispiness, flip the skins halfway through the cooking time using tongs or a fork. However, if you prefer a chewier texture with crisp edges, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
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Cool the chicken skins: Once the chicken skins are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them crisp up even more as they cool.
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Serve: Plate the crispy chicken skins and serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re perfect on their own or served with a dipping sauce like ranch or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Step 4: Enjoy!
- Enjoy your crispy chicken skins as a satisfying, savory treat! These are perfect for those following a carnivore diet or anyone who loves a good crispy snack.
Tips:
- For even crispier skins, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
- You can save the rendered fat from baking the chicken skins and use it for cooking other dishes or drizzling over vegetables for extra flavor.
These crispy chicken skins are a wonderful way to enjoy the natural flavors of the chicken, with the perfect balance of crunchy and chewy. Enjoy!