Description
Crunchy Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining succulent chicken with a crispy, flavorful crust. Marinated in rich pesto and topped with golden panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these thighs deliver a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides. Whether for family meals or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Coat each thigh thoroughly with pesto sauce.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and press onto the coated chicken.
- Place thighs in the baking dish skin-side up and drizzle olive oil over them.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Notes
For extra crunch, broil for the last minute of cooking.
Customize by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers around the chicken before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg