Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe (Baked and Breaded)

baked chicken thighs on a white serving plate

4.61 from 171 votes

Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe (Baked and Breaded)

These Crispy Chicken Thighs are better than fried chicken! This breaded chicken thighs recipe yields juicy, ultra crisp, and flavorful chicken thighs every time.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp salt divided
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tbsp water
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
2-2½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Set out 3 separate bowls to create a breading station for the chicken. In the first bowl, combine the flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and water together. In the third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, remaining salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp water, 2 cups Panko bread crumbs, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder
Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture. Make sure each thigh is fully coated. Dip the chicken thighs in the egg mixture and then in the seasoned bread crumbs.
2-2½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Place the chicken thighs onto the prepared pan. Drizzle olive oil on top of the thighs.
2 tbsp olive oil
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is crispy and golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Instead of eggs, you can coat both sides of the chicken thighs in mayo before dipping them in the bread crumb mixture.
For a little kick, add ½-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture in step 2.
If using bone-in thighs, increase the cooking time. They will need up to 10-15 extra minutes in the oven.
Air Fryer: Prepare the thighs as directed and cook them in the air fryer for 12 minutes at 380°F. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking!
Other cuts: Instead of chicken thighs, use 2-2 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the bake time as needed (chicken breasts don’t take as long to cook as thighs).

Nutrition