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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, garlicky crusted chicken thighs with a juicy center, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. It uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, paprika, and lemon zest if using. Add olive oil and stir to create a thick paste-like mixture.
  4. Rub the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the skin side of each chicken thigh.
  5. Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs over and add the butter to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the meat side and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best moisture retention. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use medium-high heat for searing and finish cooking in the oven. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free option, omit butter and Parmesan and use nutritional yeast and olive oil instead. Boneless thighs require reduced oven time by 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, cast iron chicken