Description

Quick Crispy Parmesan Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful and crunchy coating that’s perfect for a fast, satisfying meal. This recipe combines the savory taste of freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika to create a beautifully roasted dish with tender, juicy chicken thighs and a golden, crispy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken thighs

Coating

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

Seasoning & Oil

3 tbsp olive oil (Bertolli Extra Virgin preferred for roasting)
4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
Make the breadcrumb mixture: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Mix these ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Season the chicken: Rub the minced garlic, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to infuse flavor.
Coat the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and then press each thigh into the breadcrumb mixture on all sides, coating thoroughly to form the crispy crust.
Roast the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Serve hot.

Notes

Using fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the melting and texture in the crust.
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the crust adhere better and become crispier.
For extra crispiness, consider finishing under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, parmesan chicken, roasted chicken, Italian style chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, chicken with breadcrumbs