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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy Dinner Recipe

crispy baked parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy, juicy, and deeply flavorful baked chicken thighs with a golden Parmesan crust. This easy weeknight dinner comes together in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate for about 5 minutes to air-dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Place finely grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish and spread into an even layer.
  5. Spread a thin, even layer of the mayonnaise mixture all over each chicken thigh (both sides). Press the skin side of each thigh firmly into the Parmesan cheese. Place coated thighs, skin-side up, on the prepared wire rack.
  6. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken thighs with olive oil spray. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and cheese is deep golden brown.
  7. Let chicken rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken extremely dry for maximum crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Let chicken rest after baking to keep crust crispy. For extra crispy skin, refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour after drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs