Chicken Thighs with Crispy Crust
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
This recipe for chicken thighs with a crispy, golden crust is a perfect choice for a satisfying, flavorful meal. The blend of garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and olive oil creates an aromatic breadcrumb mixture that coats the chicken thighs, forming a delicious crust when grilled to perfection. Easy to prepare and full of rich, savory flavors, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 4 pieces |
| White bread (sandwich loaf) | 200g |
| Fresh parsley | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the breadcrumb mixture:
Begin by grating the white bread into small crumbs. This can be easily done using a box grater or a food processor. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the lemon zest, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the olive oil and mix everything thoroughly with your hands, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a flavorful, aromatic breadcrumb coating. -
Prepare the chicken thighs:
Remove the skin from the chicken thighs carefully. This step will help the crust stick to the meat, ensuring a crispy texture. Once the skin is removed, take each chicken thigh and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the meat to ensure they adhere well. -
Grill the chicken thighs:
Preheat the grill to its maximum temperature. Once itβs hot, lower the heat to medium. Place the coated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the crust is dark and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C), ensuring that the meat is fully cooked and juicy. -
Serving:
Once the chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with a fresh lemon wedge on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze some juice over their crispy chicken thighs.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs with Crispy Crust:
- Breadcrumbs: Use fresh white bread for the best results. The breadcrumbs should be slightly moist but not overly wet, so the crust can form properly.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the breadcrumbs, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Grilling: Ensure your grill is preheated to a high temperature before placing the chicken on it. This ensures that the crust forms quickly, locking in moisture and creating a crispy texture.
- Lemon Zest: The lemon zest adds a refreshing, tangy note to the dish. Feel free to adjust the quantity of zest to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy this delightful chicken dish, perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion. The crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside make it an irresistible main course everyone will love.
