Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a crunchy matzah and fresh herb crust, oven-roasted to golden perfection for a Passover-inspired main course. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, matzah crackers, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 2.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 sheets, crushed into fine crumbs (about 1.5 cups) matzah crackers
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, beaten egg
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, combine 1.5 cups crushed matzah crumbs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs). Dip each thigh into 1 large beaten egg, then press into the matzah crumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Step 3: Place coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Let rest 5 minutes before serving with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted 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 Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted 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 Matzah-Crusted Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs?
Middle Eastern 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! The matzah crust is a brilliant idea and made for a quick, healthy dinner.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer. The chicken thighs stayed juicy and the crust was amazing. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
The matzah crust gave the chicken such a wonderful crunch, and the herbs were perfect. My family loved it!








