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Crispy Oven-Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Herb Recipe

crispy oven-baked boneless skinless chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers boneless skinless chicken thighs with a crackling garlic herb crust that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (75g)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil until evenly coated.
  4. Press the garlic herb crust mixture firmly onto each chicken thigh, coating all sides evenly.
  5. Arrange the coated thighs on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, spacing them out to allow air circulation.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rotate the pan halfway if using a wire rack.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Optional: If crust is not crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crust sticks and crisps well. Use a wire rack if possible to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Broil briefly if extra crispiness is desired. Lemon zest is important for flavor brightness. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth and helps crispiness; can be omitted for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken, garlic herb chicken, boneless skinless chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option