Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs baked with a crispy crust of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, offering a savory and comforting meal. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, finely chopped, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 3 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels. Brush each thigh evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Press the Parmesan and herb mixture onto the skin side of each chicken thigh, creating an even crust.
- Step 5: Arrange the thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated parmesan cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs?
General chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
