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Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, velvety sauce perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper for 4 thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and sprinkle ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the creamy sauce, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top but keep skin exposed.
  8. Reduce heat to low and cover loosely with a lid. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Stir sauce occasionally.
  9. Remove lid and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to thicken sauce if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. Sear chicken skin-side down without moving for a crispy crust. Garlic should be cooked gently to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

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