After mixing the herbs and the Parmesan cheese together, each chicken thigh is dipped in butter and then coated in the mixture. After baking for about 40 minutes, the chicken thighs turned out great. They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Just how I like my chicken! Enjoy.
Cooking Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Thighs
To achieve that perfect crispy crust on your Parmesan crusted chicken thighs, start by ensuring your oven is fully preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial heat is crucial for crispiness. If your oven has hot spots, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking. This helps in achieving an even browning. Another tip is to use a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting a crispy texture all around. Also, be generous with the butter when dipping the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also helps the crust adhere better. If you prefer even more crunch, try finishing the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Parmesan crusted chicken thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a balanced meal, pair them with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing complements the richness of the chicken beautifully. If you want something heartier, consider serving the thighs alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. These veggies can be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted in the oven at the same time as your chicken. For a bit of indulgence, a side of creamy mashed cauliflower or garlic mashed potatoes can also work well. If you have leftovers, shred the chicken and toss it in a wrap with some veggies for an easy lunch. The flavor holds up wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook a bit faster. Just make sure to check the internal temperature so they don’t dry out.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well since it’s also a hard cheese with a similar flavor profile. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you’re looking for a cheesy taste without the cheese.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
Can I make these chicken thighs ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken thighs by coating them in the Parmesan mixture and then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking.
What side dishes pair well with Parmesan crusted chicken thighs?
Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even cauliflower rice make great side dishes. They complement the flavors nicely while keeping the meal low carb.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Mix the Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Grease a 9x13" baking dish.
- Dip each chicken thigh in the melted butter and then dip in the Parmesan mixture to liberally coat the chicken thighs.
- Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 35-50 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
quick and easy recipe and we really liked it.
Freaking fantastic!
Thank you š
You are welcome Gwyn!
The best chicken parm recipe! Thank you so much for sharing.
You are welcome Jozephine! Glad that you liked this recipe š
This turned out amazingly delicious and super easy. (Always a winning combination) My husband loved it and has already requested we have it again next week!
That’s awesome! Take care!
Can you use the same recipe with chicken drumsticks?
Hi Andres,
Yes, you can use drumsticks to make this recipe. Adjust the cooking time, if needed.
Cooked this and had an aneurysm! Thanks, Liza!
Lol! You’re welcome Karen š
I make this regularly… I make it for guests and nobody can believe it’s on my keto way of eating… bravo!
Hi Cynthia,
It’s one of my family’s favorite too! Take care and thanks for writing š
I found this recipe here about a year or so ago and it’s my go-to recipe for chicken thighs. I use olive oil instead of butter, as the first time I made it with melted butter, it just congealed into a solid again on the thighs and my big bowl. I much prefer the clean-up of olive oil. Anyway, just wanted to tell you I love this and give you a big THANKS!
You’re welcome Delilah! Take care and thanks for writing :0
The thighs turned out flavorful and crispy, and super juicy inside. I’ll definitely make these again.
I made this dish and it was so delicious! Thank you! š
You’re welcome Julianne!
This recipe made it to ReykjavĆk, Iceland and is here to stay. Definitely a keeper.
That’s awesome!
Wow
Can you substitute olive oil for the butter?
Hi Jay,
It should be okay to use olive oil instead of melted butter in this recipe.
I make these exactly as outlined st least twice a month!! Fantastic recipe. Always use the thighs with skin on, very moist. Occasionally substitute paprika with smoked paprika. This is one of the best recipes evah! Serve with cauliflower mash potatoes. Enjoy!
I really liked this! It was so juicy! I did it for 40 mins and it came out perfect! Definitely adding this to the weekly rotation!
Awesome!
Does anyone have the nutrition facts?
Hi Itzel, I just added the nutrition facts!
I’m so glad I tried this recipe. These are SO good. Definitely a keeper.
This is AMAZING!!! I have a picky husband and kids. I had to freeze it so he wouldn’t st it all in one sitting.
are bone in thighs ok or does time need to be adjusted?
Hi Jessica! Yes, bone in chicken thighs are okay. The time does not need to be adjusted.
This recipe was AMAZING. So simple and delicious. Thank you for posting this so others can enjoy it as well.
OMG! SO easy and tastes awesome!!!
Excellent low carb choice! We loved it!
WHat are the nutrition facts, serving sizes etc
Can you use chicken breast?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breast in this recipe, just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Hope this helps!
Can you use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Hi Karleen,
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Does it have to be fresh parmesan or can you sub the grated Parmesan in a jar?
Hi Deb,
You can definitely use the grated Parmesan cheese in a jar. Hope this helps!
Do you think this would work with thighs i soaked in buttermilk?
I think it should be okay.
Excellent, it came our very crispy yet juicy, thanks!!!
You’re welcome Leah!
So easy, but to my seven year old I come out looking like a kitchen boss! I used skinless thighs and the outcome was spot on!!!
That’s great!
Wow, delicious! I had boneless skinless thighs and the recipe still worked beautifully. Baked in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 360. The Parmesan crisped up perfectly. My 13-year-old even gave me a thumbs up. šš Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Yay! Glad your 13 year old liked it š
Do you leave the skin on?
Yes, I used skin-on chicken thighs. You should try making it, Judy!
I made this for dinner tonight. It was fabulous. I served it with roasted asparagus and steamed brown rice. This recipe will definitely be part of my repertoire.
Awesome!