Crispy Bruschetta Chicken Thighs
Crispy Bruschetta Chicken Thighs
Chicken parm meets its summer counterpart, crispy bruschetta chicken. This dish is truly out of this. The crispy chicken thigh acts as the crostini base and then the fresh tomato topping adds that bruschetta summer flair.

Chicken parm is one of those all time comfort dishes that always seems to satisfy. The problem: it is a heavier dish much more suited to the winter, in my opinion. This crispy chicken bruschetta is the perfect solution. It gives off chicken parm vibes but with a bright, fresh summery flair. The chicken is dredged in an egg wash and then cracker crumbs. I love the Simple Mills almond flour sea salt crackers, but I am sure any cracker would work well here. The cracker crumbs are crushed into almost breadcrumb like consistency and then mixed with tapioca starch (can use arrowroot starch or cornstarch), garlic powder and freeze dried basil. If you have never used the Lighthouse freeze dried herbs you are missing out! Once the chicken is fully coated I spray it with cooking spray and it bakes in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes until super crispy. The bruschetta comes together in no time. The most time consuming part is chopping the tomatoes and basil. I could literally eat this tomato mixture straight out of the bowl, it is that good. Salty, garlicky and so flavourful with the fresh basil and summery tomatoes. Serve this dish with a side salad and you are set for a delicious summer meal!
Serves: 4 people
Total Time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 6-8 chicken thighs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp freeze dried basil
- 2 cups of crushed crackers (I love Simple Mills)
- 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch (I use Bobs Red Mill)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the bruschetta:
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmigiana
- 2 tablespoons basil, julienned
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- Flaky salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit
Place the crackers into a ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin into small crumbs. This would also work in the food processor. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs with garlic powder, dried basil, tapioca starch and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs with a teaspoon of water.
Dredge the chicken thighs starting with the egg mixture and then place the chicken in the cracker crumbs and finally onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Continue until all the chicken is complete. Spray the chicken with olive oil spray and bake 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the bruschetta in a medium sized bowl. Start with a good pinch of salt and taste as your go. Remember that tomatoes take more salt then you think so ensure you are adding enough! Once the chicken is cooked, evenly distribute the tomato mixture amongst the chicken thighs and garnish with additional parmigiana and fresh basil. Place the chicken back into the oven for about 4-5 minutes, just until the cheese has melted on top. Serve warm and enjoy!