Frederic Melton
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that is often fried, but baking it in the oven is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious. Chicken thighs are a more economical and forgiving cut of meat that is hard to overcook, making them a great choice for this recipe. The chicken is breaded and baked until crispy, then topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, and baked for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep, and can be served with a variety of sides such as pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken Thighs in the Oven with Parmesan Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350-400°F (176.6-204.4°C) |
| Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165-190°F (73.8-87.7°C) |
| Cheese | Parmesan, Mozzarella, or a blend |
| Coating | Flour, Egg Wash, Breadcrumbs, or Panko |
| Sauce | Marinara, Tomato, or Pasta Sauce |
| Sides | Salad, Vegetables, Potatoes, or Pasta |
| Nutrition | Varies, but approx. 400-650 kcal per serving |
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What You'll Learn
Bread the chicken thighs
To bread chicken thighs, you will need a dredging station. This involves three shallow dishes. In the first, place flour mixed with any seasonings you wish to add. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and a little water. You can also use mayonnaise instead of eggs. In the third dish, place your breadcrumbs. You can use plain, panko, or a mixture of both.
Pat your chicken thighs dry. Then, dip each chicken thigh first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess after each step, and ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Place the breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can drizzle the tops with olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp up and get that golden-brown colour.
If you want to add parmesan to your breading, mix it in with the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
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Cook at 375-400°F for 30-45 minutes
To cook chicken thighs in the oven with parmesan cheese, preheat your oven to 375-400°F. Prepare the chicken thighs by dipping them in flour, egg wash, and a bread crumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the chicken. Bake the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 7-10 minutes. Pull the chicken out of the oven, add 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each chicken thigh, and top with parmesan cheese. Place the chicken back in the oven and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
The total cooking time for the chicken thighs at 375-400°F will be around 30-45 minutes, depending on the exact temperature and your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to cook chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F, but for extremely tender chicken, you can aim for an internal temperature of 180-190°F. You can use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken.
Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of chicken thighs you are cooking and the specific oven you are using. It is always important to ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly before consuming it.
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Flip halfway through
When cooking chicken thighs in the oven with Parmesan cheese, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that the cheese is melted and bubbly. To achieve this, it is recommended to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process.
After breading and baking the chicken thighs for a specified amount of time, typically around 10 to 12 minutes, it is essential to flip them over. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Returning the chicken to the oven for another 10 minutes or so allows the second side to cook through and attain a golden brown colour.
Flipping the chicken thighs halfway through guarantees that the exterior becomes crispy and browned on both sides, enhancing the texture and visual appeal of the dish. It also helps prevent the chicken from drying out, as the heat is distributed evenly during the cooking process.
For chicken Parmesan, after flipping and cooking the chicken, the next step is to add the sauce and cheese. By placing the chicken back in the oven for a few more minutes, you allow the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a delicious, gooey topping.
It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your oven and the number of chicken thighs being cooked. It is always important to ensure that the chicken has reached the recommended internal temperature, usually 165°F, before consuming it.
By following these steps and remembering to flip the chicken thighs halfway through, you can create juicy and flavourful chicken Parmesan with a perfectly cooked exterior and a mouthwatering cheesy topping.
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Add sauce and cheese, broil for 3-5 minutes
Once your chicken thighs are cooked through, it's time to add the sauce and cheese and finish the dish. First, remove the chicken from the oven and add 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen sauce to each chicken thigh. You can add the sauce directly to the chicken, or put it in the bottom of the pan and place the chicken on top.
Next, sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. You can also add mozzarella or another cheese of your choice. Place the oven on broil low and put the chicken back in for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning.
When the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve. Your chicken Parmesan is now ready to enjoy!
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Serve with sides
Parmesan chicken thighs are a delicious main course, but what should you serve with them? Here are some side dish ideas to complement the flavours of the chicken and make a well-rounded meal:
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great option to accompany chicken thighs. Try a mix of butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and beets, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You could also add other vegetables to the mix, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. For a healthier option, steam or sauté the vegetables instead of roasting them. Green beans almondine is another tasty side dish option—simply prepare tender beans with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds.
Salads
A crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Try a simple romaine salad with a creamy dressing and crunchy toppings, or an Italian-style salad with homemade dressing, crisp veggies, and Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, add some fruit to your salad, such as apples with greens, cheese crumbles, and a maple vinaigrette.
Carbohydrates
If you're looking for a heartier side dish, consider serving the chicken with pasta or rice. A simple garlic butter noodle dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Or, for a more elegant option, try a lemon rice dish with a zingy citrus flavour. For a gluten-free option, quinoa or couscous are excellent choices.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Try fluffy mashed potatoes or crispy potato wedges with crunchy Parmesan bits. For a more colourful option, bake sweet potatoes until caramelized.
Breads
To round out the meal, serve some fresh, warm bread on the side. Focaccia or soft popovers are excellent choices that will soak up any extra sauce from the chicken.
With so many delicious options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect sides to complement your Parmesan chicken thighs!
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook chicken thighs in the oven is between 350°F and 400°F.
It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to cook chicken thighs in the oven.
To make chicken thighs in the oven with Parmesan cheese, first preheat your oven to 375°F. Next, dip your chicken thighs in flour, followed by an egg wash, and finally, coat them in a bread crumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes or until the center of the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the oven, add 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each chicken thigh, and top with Parmesan cheese. Broil on low for about 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning. Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
