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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a crispy Parmesan-garlic crust and juicy interior. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 lbs / 700900 g)
  • 34 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ⅓ cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season all over with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Set aside for a few minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, all-purpose flour, and minced garlic. Toss to blend evenly.
  3. Press each chicken thigh into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring the skin side is well covered.
  4. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt and foam, then heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  5. Place the coated chicken thighs skin side down in the pan. Press down gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook for 7-9 minutes without moving them.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Lower heat if the pan gets too smoky.
  7. Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Use a mix of butter and olive oil for flavor and a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the crust crispy. Rest chicken before serving to keep juices locked in. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour. Butter can be replaced with dairy-free margarine for a dairy-free version. Chicken can also be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, finishing under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet chicken, Parmesan crust