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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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These crispy baked Parmesan chicken thighs are quick, easy, and incredibly crunchy, with a golden Parmesan-panko crust that rivals fried chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights, they deliver juicy, flavorful meat in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels (use 3-4 towels per batch).
  3. Season both sides of each thigh with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Mix with a fork.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub into all sides with your hands.
  6. Press each thigh into the Parmesan mixture, turning to coat all sides. Place skin-side up on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes without opening the oven for the first 20 minutes. Chicken is done when coating is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (aim for 170°F). If not using a wire rack, flip halfway through.
  8. Let chicken rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Use a wire rack for even browning. Grate your own Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt properly. Let chicken come to room temperature 20 minutes before cooking if possible. For larger thighs (over 8 oz), add 5 minutes; for smaller, check at 22 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, Parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, baked chicken recipe, 30-minute meal

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