poultry essentials: crispy chicken thighs

How To Make poultry essentials: crispy chicken thighs

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  If you are doing the optional brine, then add all the ingredients to the water, and whisk until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Add the chicken thighs, and place in the fridge for 3 – 4 hours. I like how the tamari flavors the chicken; however, if you are not too sure about it, just leave it out.
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  Step 3
  The reason I do not include any salt in the spice mix, is because I am brining the thighs. If you choose not to brine, then add about a teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
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  Step 4
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 5
  Combine all of the spice mixture ingredients into a small bowl, and reserve.
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  Step 6
  Take the chicken (after the brine), and pat dry. Then place on a plate or small sheet pan, and sprinkle with the potato starch.
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  Step 7
  Chef’s Note: The purpose of the potato starch is to help dry out the skin. It will not impart any flavor of its own. You could use salt, or baking soda, but both of those methods make the chicken taste a bit too salty for my palate.
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  Step 8
  I like to remove the bone from the thighs before baking. The only reason for this is the final presentation; plus, without the bone, it makes it easier for my guests to slice. If you leave the bone in, no worries.
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  Step 9
  Stick them in the fridge, uncovered, for 2 – 3 hours.
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  Step 10
  Remove from the fridge, place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, fitted with a wire rack (if you have one). They should be skin-side up.
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  Step 11
  Lightly brush the skins with the olive oil.
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  Step 12
  Sprinkle with the reserved spice mixture, then let sit on the counter for 20 minutes.
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  Step 13
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 425f (220c).
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  Step 14
  Add the chicken thighs to the oven, and bake for 15 minutes.
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  Step 15
  Lower the heat to 400f (205c), and cook until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 165f (75c), about an additional 15 minutes.
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  Step 16
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 17
  One of my favorite ways to serve these is on a plate of homemade pasta, and a nice spicy tomato sauce. But, how you serve them, is totally up to you.
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  Step 18
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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