Name: Quick Crispy Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (Progresso Italian Style for extra crunch); 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated; 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp olive oil (Bertolli Extra Virgin preferred for roasting); 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp pepper

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Quick Crispy Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, savory parmesan, and spices creates a deliciously crunchy crust that keeps the chicken juicy inside.

The image shows a white plate with a yellow rim and a blue pattern on one side, holding four pieces of golden-brown breaded chicken, each piece showing a crispy and crunchy texture with a mix of darker and lighter brown spots. The chicken is garnished with small bits of fresh green parsley scattered across the top and around the plate. Next to the chicken, on the right side, is a lemon wedge with its bright yellow color contrasting against the chicken. Around the plate, there are fresh green parsley sprigs, a whole lemon, a small glass bowl with mixed dry herbs, and a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin for roasting)

4 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp pepper
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (Progresso Italian Style recommended for extra crunch)

1/2 cup parmesan (freshly grated for better melting and texture)
3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.

Step 4: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
Step 5: Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Step 7: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil and garlic mixture for 30 minutes before coating.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an even crunchier texture.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture if you like some heat.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out since breasts cook faster and contain less fat.

Is it necessary to use fresh garlic and parmesan?

Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use garlic powder and pre-grated parmesan in a pinch.