Crispy Baked Chicken with Tropical Salsa

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Crispy Baked Chicken with Tropical Salsa! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks are coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, then baked to golden, crunchy perfection—no deep frying needed. The real star of the show, however, is the vibrant tropical salsa, bursting with the fresh, tangy-sweet flavors of pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, and a hint of lime. Perfectly balancing the richness of the chicken, the salsa adds a zesty, refreshing twist to every bite. This easy-to-make dish is ready in just over an hour and is ideal for dinner parties, family meals, or even as part of your meal prep routine. Pair it with a side of rice or a crisp green salad for a meal that feels like a tropical getaway!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0 as needed olive oil spray or melted butter
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 cup diced ripe mango
• 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper
• 0.25 cup chopped red onion
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for salsa)
• 1 small jalapeño (optional, finely diced)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for crispier chicken.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs to create an egg wash.

Step 4

Place the flour in a third shallow bowl.

Step 5

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it generously with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 6

Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Lightly spray with olive oil or drizzle with melted butter for extra crispiness.

Step 7

Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Turn the chicken halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 8

While the chicken is baking, prepare the tropical salsa by combining the pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if using) in a mixing bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well.

Step 9

Once the chicken is finished baking, let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with the tropical salsa on the side or spooned over the chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1340.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1951.0

Total Fat 92.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 732mg	0%
Sodium 4429.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 65.9g
Protein 120.9g	0%

Vitamin D 102IU	0%
Calcium 715.3mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2277.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 33.9%