Are you tired of the same old boring weeknight dinners? Look no further! Crispy breaded chicken thighs are a delicious and satisfying solution that can be dressed up or down to suit any taste. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering recipe ideas for crispy breaded chicken thighs that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic buttermilk breading to spicy Cajun seasoning, and from crunchy cornflakes to savory parmesan, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next meal prep session, we’ve got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these recipes in detail, sharing tips and tricks for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior. So grab a plate, get ready to get your bread on, and let’s start cooking!
Classic Buttermilk Breaded Chicken Thighs
Classic Buttermilk Breaded Chicken Thighs: A simple yet satisfying recipe that yields crispy, flavorful chicken thighs with a tangy buttermilk twist.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Dip the floured chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Panko-Crusted Parmesan Chicken Thighs
A crispy and flavorful twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan cheese, and juicy chicken will satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cajun Breaded Chicken Thighs
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this mouth-watering recipe! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavors, these Spicy Cajun Breaded Chicken Thighs are a Southern-inspired delight.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and crispy.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Herb Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and impressive recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Crispy garlic herb breadcrumbs add a rich and aromatic flavor to tender chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Pepper Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this tangy and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of lemon zest with the warmth of black pepper. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, lemon zest, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Dip the floured chicken thighs in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side (optional).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crunchy Cornflake Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this crispy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Crunchy cornflakes add a satisfying texture to tender chicken thighs, all in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup cornflakes crumbs
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornflakes crumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs
Transform chicken thighs into a crispy, golden-brown delight with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, then coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Gluten-Free Almond Flour Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. By using almond flour as the base for the breading, you’ll get a crispy exterior without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (such as rice-based)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean-Style Gochujang Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful recipe that combines the bold flavors of gochujang, a Korean chili paste, with crispy breading. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Dredge chicken thighs in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Sauce Breaded Chicken Thighs
A classic comfort food gets a spicy twist with these Buffalo sauce breaded chicken thighs. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo wing sauce
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, then panko breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
4. Place breaded thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the chicken, followed by a spoonful of Buffalo sauce.
6. Brush egg wash over the top of each thigh.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Breaded Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Glaze
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines crispy breading with a tangy honey mustard glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup honey mustard glaze (see below)
Honey Mustard Glaze:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the chicken.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While chicken is baking, mix together honey and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
8. Brush glaze over chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Breaded Chicken Thighs with Italian Seasoning
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and crispy baked chicken recipe. With the simplicity of a homemade breading and the warmth of Italian seasoning, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crispy Coconut Breaded Chicken Thighs
Crispy Coconut Breaded Chicken Thighs: A delicious twist on traditional breaded chicken!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Paprika Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of smoky paprika with a crispy breading. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken thighs in the spice mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip spiced chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
5. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, golden brown, and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Breaded Chicken Thighs with Ranch Dressing Coating
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the crunch of breaded chicken thighs with the tanginess of ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken thighs.
6. Dot the top of each thigh with melted butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Sriracha Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Maple Sriracha Breaded Chicken Thigh recipe! The perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade; coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade; pat dry with paper towels.
5. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Breaded Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomato Crust
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and crispy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy breadcrumbs, and sun-dried tomato flavor is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Breadcrumbs Breaded Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken dinner with this flavorful recipe that combines crispy breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion, these breaded chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup herbed breadcrumbs (see below)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Herbed Breadcrumbs:
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together herbed breadcrumbs and olive oil.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with garlic and parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Breaded Chicken Thighs with Sesame Seed Coating
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the crunch of breadcrumbs with the nutty goodness of sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these breaded chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Roll in sesame seeds to coat evenly.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Breaded Chicken Thighs with Bacon Bits
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of BBQ sauce, crispy breading, and smoky bacon bits.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, followed by crumbled bacon bits.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a flavorful and crispy twist on classic chicken thighs! This article features 20 mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners. From buttermilk to panko-crusted, spicy cajun to lemon pepper, and even gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. Discover unique flavor combinations like Korean-style gochujang or buffalo sauce breaded chicken thighs. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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