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Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy baked garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, garlicky, and cheesy baked chicken thighs with juicy, tender meat underneath a golden parmesan crust. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 70g)
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 25g) – optional
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. Stir until blended.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter to form the crispy crust mixture.
  6. Press each chicken thigh skin-side up firmly into the Parmesan mixture so it adheres well. Place the thighs spaced apart on the wire rack.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese crust is bubbly and toasted.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Press the parmesan mixture firmly onto the skin to help it stick. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through if your oven heats unevenly. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, juicy chicken thighs, parmesan crust, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-baked-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat/