Are you tired of boring, bland chicken dinners that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal game with these mouthwatering Homemade Shake Bake Chicken Thighs! Imagine cutting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat that's packed with incredible flavor. This simple yet sensational recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family begging for seconds - and it's so easy to make, even beginner cooks can become culinary heroes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better to the chicken.
- Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage. The oil helps the breadcrumb mixture stick and promotes even browning.
- Dredge each olive oil-coated chicken thigh into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely and covers the entire surface of the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before coating - moisture is the enemy of crispy breading!
- Use fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each chicken thigh space to ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- For extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the flavor to your liking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
