Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor — these Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a weeknight dinner. With a golden almond flour and parmesan crust, they deliver crunch and richness without a single carb-heavy breadcrumb.
About This Recipe
Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile proteins for keto cooking—they’re naturally juicy, affordable, and packed with flavor. But when you coat them in a garlic parmesan crust and roast them until golden and crispy, you take them to a whole new level of deliciousness. These Keto Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are the perfect combination of crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with savory flavor.
Unlike traditional breaded chicken recipes that rely on flour or breadcrumbs, this version uses a keto-friendly coating made with grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour. The cheese crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a crunchy golden crust that’s both satisfying and naturally low-carb. Garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs add depth of flavor, while chicken thighs stay moist and juicy thanks to their higher fat content.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can prep everything in under 10 minutes and let the oven do the rest of the work. It’s weeknight-friendly but flavorful enough to impress guests. Plus, it pairs well with a wide variety of sides, from cauliflower mash and zucchini noodles to simple green salads.
Nutritionally, these chicken thighs hit all the right keto notes: high in protein, rich in healthy fats, and virtually free of net carbs. The combination of crispy parmesan and juicy chicken makes them a filling, satisfying meal that won’t leave you missing traditional fried chicken. And because everything bakes in the oven, it’s lighter and easier than deep-frying, but with all the flavor you crave.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or craving something indulgent yet keto-approved, this recipe is a go-to. It’s proof that keto doesn’t mean giving up comfort food—it just means reinventing it in a smarter, healthier way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor 🧄🧀
- Oven-baked, not fried—less mess, same crunch
- Keto-friendly and gluten-free
- Quick prep, perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-approved comfort food
Ingredients
-
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil or butter.
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Press chicken thighs into the mixture to coat evenly.
- Place on baking sheet, skin side up, and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 24 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Net Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
FAQ
- Can I use boneless thighs instead?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time to 25–30 minutes. - Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
No—keeping it skin side up helps the top get extra crispy. - Can I make this with chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. - How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap almond flour for crushed pork rinds for extra crunch
- Add cayenne for a spicy kick
- Use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil before serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Pair with cauliflower mash for comfort food vibes
- Add a side salad with olive oil and lemon
- Great for meal prep with zucchini noodles
Keto Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil or butter.
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Press chicken thighs into the mixture to coat evenly.
- Place on baking sheet, skin side up, and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
Try these next:
Craving more? New keto recipes drop every week
– Quick, low-carb, and ridiculously tasty.
