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Best Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a crispy mixture of parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, finished with a rich garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 34 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Press each chicken thigh firmly into the cheese mixture, coating the skin side evenly.
  4. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear without moving for 6-8 minutes until deep golden-brown.
  6. Flip chicken and cook for another 10-12 minutes. If thighs are large, finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a warm plate.
  8. Reduce heat to low. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  9. Stir in lemon juice and parsley to create the sauce.
  10. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, let bubble for 30 seconds, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure chicken is completely dry before coating to help the crust adhere. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Garlic burns easily, so keep heat low when making the sauce. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. For reheating, use an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, parmesan chicken, garlic chicken, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, keto friendly, gluten-free option