Crispy Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Printable)

Juicy, golden-crusted chicken thighs combined with melty cheese inside buttery bread for an indulgent meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs, beaten
09 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Grilled Cheese

11 - 8 slices sourdough or sturdy sandwich bread
12 - 8 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
13 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper mixed together.
03 - Pat chicken thighs dry, dredge each first in flour, then dip in egg, then press thoroughly into the panko-Parmesan mixture.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken thighs 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.
05 - Transfer browned chicken to the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Rest 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole.
06 - Spread softened butter and mayonnaise, if using, on one side of each bread slice.
07 - On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, layer 1 to 2 slices of cheese, top with one chicken thigh or slices, then add another slice of cheese. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side outward.
08 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
09 - Cut sandwiches and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the crispy, golden panko coating and the melty, buttery grilled cheese feels indulgent without being pretentious.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels special.
  • You only need basic ingredients you probably already have, but somehow it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
02 -
  • If your chicken thighs are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook through by the time the breading gets golden.
  • Don't skip the resting period for the chicken; it makes a real difference in keeping the meat juicy inside that crispy coat.
  • Keep your heat at medium or medium-high when grilling the sandwiches, because high heat will char the bread before the cheese has time to melt.
03 -
  • Pound your chicken thighs to even thickness before breading so they cook through at exactly the same pace as the exterior gets golden and crispy.
  • Let your butter soften at room temperature rather than microwaving it, because soft butter spreads beautifully without tearing your bread.
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