Name: Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup parmesan, grated; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 6 chicken thighs, boneless skin on; 6 tablespoon olive oil

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Chicken thighs don't ever have to be boring when you have amazing recipes on hand. This crispy baked Parmesan chicken thighs recipe is a great choice for turning juicy chicken thighs into a delicious treat. Similar to a classic fried chicken, this baked version used Parmesan and breadcrumbs to coat and add flavor. Brushing the tops with oil before baking gives the golden brown color you expect alongside the crisp texture.

Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great choice for lean meat that is full of flavor and affordable. Making them unique is easy, and this recipe provides you with great flavor and a delicious coating. Rather than deep-frying the thighs, you can save calories and still present a crispy piece of chicken with this simple method.

This recipe is best served fresh, but can easily be made ahead of time and served as leftovers, on a sandwich, or reheated the next day. With such easy steps, you'll add this to your menu on a regular basis.

Do I Use Grated or Shredded Parmesan?

For this recipe, grated Parmesan cheese gives the best results. It works best alongside the breadcrumbs since it is the same general size and shape. It blends together for a nice even coating that will crisp in the oven without burning. The result also adds a nice bit of salty flavor that is evident but not overpowering once baked.

If you only have shredded Parmesan on hand, that also will work. It's simply a bit larger and may not blend as nicely with the breadcrumbs. Either option will still give you a delicious flavor you will love serving to your family.

What Goes with Baked Chicken Thighs?

This particular recipe is super versatile. I've used it as a main dish with sides, as well as sliced onto a salad or even between two buns with mayonnaise as a sandwich. It's just that easy to turn into something tasty with little changes. In general, however, it is a great main dish that can be served with your favorite sides. Below are a few things we enjoy with this recipe.

Of course, we have to have a side of bread, and for this chicken, the best choice is this simple soft potato bread recipe. It's easy to make and can be a side, or toated and used as a bun to make this into a sandwich.

What Temperature Do Chicken Thighs Need to Be Cooked To?

Chicken thighs should be cooked to 165°F for safe consumption. When baking, it is easy to manage this while not drying out the chicken. Simply use a good quality digital meat thermometer and put it into the chicken before placing it into the oven. You can check the temp regularly as it bakes. I prefer to remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 160°F-162°F as it will continue cooking as it rests after being taken from the oven.

Can I Make These in My Air Fryer?

Yes! If baking in the air fryer, you can cook at 375°F for 18-20 minutes with good results. Of course, as mentioned above, checking to make sure the chicken has reached 165°F is recommended before serving. Depending upon your air fryer, it may also be handy to turn or flip the chicken at the 10-minute mark to get even browning and crispness on the outside coating.

As different air fryers cook at slightly different temperatures and powers, this may need some adjustment to get just right. Test at a lower cook time first, then adjust as needed. It's always better to undercook and need to add additional time than to overcook and have dry chicken.

Ingredients

Egg
Buttermilk
Parmesan
Breadcrumbs
Paprika
Chili powder
Salt
Boneless chicken thighs (with skin)
Olive oil

Handy Kitchen Tools

How Do I Make Crispy Chicken Thighs?

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Pat chicken thighs dry then season both sides with 1 teaspoon of the salt and set aside.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chili powder, paprika, and remaining salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.

Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture first, then into the breadcrumbs.

Coat both sides well so all of the chicken is covered.

Place the coated chicken thighs onto the lined baking sheet.

Carefully pat the tops with olive oil, being careful to not remove the coating. You can also use non-stick cooking spray.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and 165°F internally.

More Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you love chicken thighs but want more ideas to add to your menu, then you'll love the recipes below. There are tons of great ideas on this list that are flavorful, easy to make, and loved by everyone at your dinner table. Adding chicken thighs to your menu can pack tons of flavor and be an affordable option everyone will love.

Chef's Tip

When cooking chicken thighs, you can pound down to an even thickness to make sure they cook evenly and no part dries out in the oven. Simply place the chicken thighs between parchment or plastic wrap and use the back of a pan or a meat tenderizer to pound into an even thickness.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6