Description
Succulent Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with remarkable ease. Crispy golden skin and juicy meat promise a delightful meal that will satisfy you in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 6–8 skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
Breading and Seasoning:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons regular mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Create a creamy binding layer by whisking mayonnaise and mustard in a shallow mixing bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
- Develop a crispy exterior coating by thoroughly blending bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate wide dish.
- Transform each chicken thigh into a flavor-packed morsel by generously brushing the entire surface with the mayonnaise-mustard mixture.
- Immediately transfer the coated chicken thighs into the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even crisp coating adheres to every surface.
- Arrange the prepared chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to promote even heat circulation and optimal crispiness.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden-brown, crunchy exterior.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain optimal moisture.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option, reducing overall fat content while maintaining moisture.
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, well-adhered breading that doesn’t become soggy during baking.
- For extra flavor enhancement, marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 2-3 hours before coating to tenderize and infuse more depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg