Crispy Parmesan-Herb Baked Chicken Thighs
Golden, crunchy, and bursting with savory flavor, these baked chicken thighs are coated in a crispy Parmesan-herb crust for an easy yet impressive meal. Perfectly juicy on the inside with a buttery, cheesy exterior, they’re a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g total)
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Optional Enhancements:
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for brightness)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
- In a shallow bowl, pour melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels (for extra crispiness).
- Dip each thigh in melted butter, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place in the baking dish skin-side up.
3. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35–50 minutes (depending on size), until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch closely!).
4. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad
Pro Tips
- Crispy Skin Alert: Patting the chicken dry before coating ensures maximum crunch.
- Even Cooking: Space thighs evenly in the dish so they crisp uniformly.
- Make It Lighter: Use skinless thighs and reduce butter to 1 tbsp (add 1 tbsp olive oil to the coating mix).
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 401 | Fat: 32g | Carbs: 1g | Protein: 24g
Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless Elegance: Looks and tastes gourmet with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Pair with pasta, salads, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats well for lunches—crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.