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Easy Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

Golden, crispy chicken thighs with a cheesy, garlicky crust, ready in about 40 minutes. A simple, no-fuss weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds (680–900 grams) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of black pepper. Mash together with a fork until it forms a rough paste.
  3. Season the dried chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  4. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  5. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs over using tongs. Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the garlic-Parmesan butter mixture evenly over the top of each chicken thigh.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry for the crispiest skin. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before searing for more even cooking. Don’t crowd the pan when searing; work in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, baked chicken thighs, crispy skin chicken