These crunchy baked pesto chicken thighs are a flavorful and simple dish that will have your taste buds dancing. The chicken thighs are coated in a delicious pesto sauce and then topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust. Baking them in the oven creates a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty dish to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
- Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the top of each chicken thigh.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat each chicken thigh with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Place the chicken thighs in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
