Juicy Herb-Roasted Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy and succulent baked chicken thighs offer a mouthwatering dinner solution that transforms weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent.

Juicy meat with perfectly golden skin becomes your secret weapon in the kitchen.

Home cooks adore this simple yet delectable dish that requires minimal preparation.

Seasoning makes all the difference when creating restaurant-quality results at home.

Each bite promises rich, deep flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mediterranean herbs and a quick marinade elevate these chicken thighs from ordinary to extraordinary.

Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs, Always Golden and Crisp

• Fool-Proof Cooking: Anyone can nail this recipe with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and simple ingredients transform chicken into a crispy, flavorful dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crunchy coating and savory flavor, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable recipe that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, salad, or rice, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

What Goes Into Easy Baked Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of chicken that serves as the primary protein for this crispy baked dish.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Create a creamy, tangy base that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.

• Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a crispy, golden exterior with a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Add depth and aromatic seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy during the baking process.

Simple Steps to Baked Chicken Thigh Success

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prep your delicious chicken.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and blend mayonnaise and mustard into a smooth, tangy spread that will make your chicken super moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Coating

• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper

This magical combo will give your chicken an irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

Take each chicken thigh and lovingly coat it in the creamy mayonnaise mixture, then roll it generously in the seasoned bread crumb blend.

Make sure every inch gets a delicious coverage.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated chicken thighs with some space between them.

This helps them get perfectly crispy all around.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Baked Thighs

• Pat chicken thighs dry before coating to help breadcrumbs stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Place chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation and maintain crispiness.
• Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like smoked paprika, cajun, or ranch mix to add variety to the dish.

Baked Chicken Thigh Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy coating that's suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground pork rinds to create a keto-friendly chicken dish with zero carbs and extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and coconut-based mayonnaise to make the recipe dairy-free while maintaining rich flavor.
• Herb Lovers' Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage mixed into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic and flavorful chicken experience.

Plating Ideas for Baked Chicken Thighs

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy chicken thighs on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
• Meal Companion Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or honey-glazed carrots for a balanced and nutritious dinner plate.
• Sandwich Transformation: Slice the baked chicken thighs and create delicious sandwiches using soft brioche buns, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a spread of extra mustard for added zest.
• Salad Topper Sensation: Chop the crispy chicken and sprinkle over a fresh mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed lunch option.

Storing Your Baked Chicken Thighs the Smart Way

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, ensuring even heating and preventing dryness.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

• Is it necessary to use mayonnaise for coating?

The mayonnaise helps create a crispy, golden exterior and keeps the chicken moist. If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt or egg wash as an alternative coating.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Chicken Thighs emerge as a mouthwatering centerpiece for any home-cooked meal. Crispy skin and juicy meat make this simple dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 6 to 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks

Coating and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons regular mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature throughout.
2. Create a smooth, tangy coating by whisking mayonnaise and mustard in a medium mixing bowl until well blended.
3. Develop a crispy exterior by thoroughly mixing bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate shallow dish.
4. Transform each chicken thigh by generously brushing with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Enhance the chicken’s texture by carefully dredging each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
6. Arrange the coated chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote consistent cooking.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden-brown crust and confirm the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help the breading stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that still keeps the chicken moist.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for an equally crunchy coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg