This Parmesan crusted chicken is one of my favorite easy chicken recipes of all time. The Parmesan breading is so flavorful, and it crisps up so beautifully in the oven without all the grease of deep frying. With just 7 ingredients, this baked chicken thighs recipe takes just 1 hour total–and most of that time is hands-off in the oven. This is a family-favorite recipe and one I make weekly!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This oven-fried Parmesan crusted chicken is one of my favorite healthier, easier, and less messy alternatives to deep-fried chicken. I still get all that crispy breading, but I don’t have to contend with scalding hot oil splattering all over my kitchen. I truly think Parmesan cheese is the secret to the crispiest baked chicken thighs, and it tastes absolutely divine!
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 400°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Notes and Tips
- Feel free to use another cut of chicken if you’d like! Breasts and drumsticks will both work well.
- You can swap the Italian breadcrumbs with Panko, but keep in mind that both the consistency and flavor will be impacted by that change.
- I highly recommend using freshly shredded cheese, since pre-shredded cheese contains an anti-caking powder that effects the consistency of the cheese. Also, freshly grated parmesan has a better overall flavor.
- Properly cooked chicken should read 165°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest point.
Top Reader Review
“This chicken is the bomb I made it tonight and it melts in my mouth! The flavoring is so delicious” -Nanette H.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¼ cup heavy cream or buttermilk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup salted butter melted (½ stick)
- Fresh oregano and thyme optional, for garnish
Equipment
- 2 9×13-inch Baking Dishes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray 2 large baking dishes with nonstick spray.
- In a small shallow bowl, stir together the beaten eggs and heavy cream.2 large eggs, ¼ cup heavy cream
- In another small shallow bowl, stir together the parmesan, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, coating both sides completely. Shake off excess and then dip into the parmesan mixture, pressing down to fully coat the entire chicken with a thick layer.8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Arrange chicken in prepared baking dishes, making sure they don’t touch (if they touch, those sections won’t get crispy).
- Pour melted butter over all the chicken.¼ cup salted butter
- Cook for approximately 50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve garnished with fresh oregano or thyme.Fresh oregano and thyme
Notes
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Step by Step
Prep the Eggs: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray 2 large baking dishes with nonstick spray (I used 9×13-inch dishes). In a small shallow bowl, stir together 2 large beaten eggs and ¼ cup of heavy cream.
Prep the Breading: In another small shallow bowl, stir together ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup of Italian breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Dip each of 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the egg mixture, coating both sides completely. Shake off excess and then dip into the parmesan mixture, pressing down to fully coat the entire chicken with a thick layer.
Top with Butter: Arrange chicken in prepared baking dishes, making sure they don’t touch (if they touch, those sections won’t get crispy). Pour ¼ cup of melted salted butter over all the chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Cook parmesan breaded chicken for approximately 50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve garnished with fresh oregano or thyme.
Maribeth Vernon says
This chicken is moist and delicious. Even my son in law who is a man of few words loved it. I use chicken tenders and thin breasts. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Temp reads 170 for me. Then let it sit out with foil on it to let the juices redistribute. Excelente!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Maribeth! I am sure you were happy to get a few more words out of your son-in-law!
B. D. says
This my new go-to recipe for me! I don’t have buttermilk, so I substituted half-and-half. It turned out great.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie Gabel says
I used skinless bone in thighs and baked 30 min. Turned out perfect.
Becky Hardin says
That’s great! Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!
Sara says
This recipe was SO GOOD! A total hit with the whole family, and it was so easy to make. I baked my boneless, skinless chicken thighs at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Perfection!
Becky Hardin says
Sounds like a success!
Nanette H says
This chicken is the bomb I made it tonight and it melts in my mouth! The flavoring is so delicious
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Nanette!
Victoria says
Made this with chicken breast tonight. It was truly wonderful!! Tasty, moist, cooked just right. Will definitely make again…. And again… And again!!
Becky Hardin says
That’s great to hear, Victoria!
Stephanie says
Really good. Followed recipe, but I used bon3 in thighs, what I had, and I cooked in the air fryer for 18 minutes. Crispy and very juices inside.
Thank you
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle says
This recipe turned out fantastic! My family loved it!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Michelle!
John says
This is a great recipe…its good just the recipe but Im thinking of adding a bit of cyanine pepper to the breadcrumbs, for some heat. Ive made it several times now and everyone loves it!