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Easy • Chicken

Crispy Baked Panko Chicken Thighs

Achieve ultra-crispy chicken thighs in the oven with a simple panko breadcrumb coating, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Crispy Baked Panko Chicken Thighs

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight chicken! These Crispy Baked Panko Chicken Thighs deliver all the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the mess. With a golden, savory crust and juicy meat, they're sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. This is key for a crispy coating!

  3. Step 3

    Set up a dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten egg in a second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a third dish.

  4. Step 4

    Dredge each chicken thigh: first in flour (shaking off excess), then in egg (letting excess drip off), and finally in the seasoned panko, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.

  5. Step 5

    Place coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. If using olive oil, drizzle a little extra over the tops of the chicken for added crispiness. If using cooking spray, generously spray the tops.

  6. Step 6

    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the panko crust is golden brown and crispy. If needed, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  7. Step 7

    Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips

  • Using panko breadcrumbs is crucial for that extra crispiness; regular breadcrumbs won't give the same result.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space between chicken pieces for even crisping.
  • These pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

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