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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

This easy oven-baked recipe delivers perfectly crispy, garlicky, and cheesy chicken thighs with a tender and juicy interior. A fuss-free, flavorful dish ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Allow the oven to reach full heat, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, softened butter, olive oil, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a paste-like consistency forms. Add lemon zest if using.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Spread the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the skin side of the chicken thighs, avoiding underneath the skin.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, ensuring they do not touch.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping the oven door closed as much as possible. The skin should be deep golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
  7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the crust to firm up.
  8. Serve hot, paired with crispy smashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping. Do not baste during baking to maintain crust integrity. Rest chicken after baking for juicy results. Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for a proper crust. If crust browns too fast, tent with foil. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and butter with coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, oven-baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, parmesan crust chicken