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One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy Recipe

one-pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

These creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs are made entirely in one pot, delivering juicy chicken and a velvety sauce with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Season both sides of the chicken generously. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them until deep golden. Flip and cook another 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter. Let it melt, then add 6 minced garlic cloves. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low and slowly sprinkle in 1 cup grated parmesan, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the tops. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own parmesan cheese to avoid graininess. Let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even searing. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra for pasta or rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken, creamy garlic parmesan chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food