Description

These crispy baked parmesan chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours breading and frying. With a shatteringly crisp crust and tender, juicy meat, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (or a mix of both)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a little garlic powder.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or Dijon mustard, or a mix of both).
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Using a brush or your fingers, spread a thin, even layer of the mayo mixture all over each chicken thigh. Then, press each thigh into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating all sides. Place the coated thighs on the prepared wire rack, skin-side up.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crunch, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for best texture and flavor. Check internal temperature early to avoid overcooking. For extra crunch, toast panko in a dry skillet before mixing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 thigh
Calories: 380
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 600
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 30

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken