Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs! Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken skin perfectly seasoned with a savory blend of garlic and Parmesan that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that promises to become your new go-to recipe for impressing family and friends with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.
- Generously sprinkle the Parmesan-garlic mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adherence.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts and browns more beautifully than pre-packaged varieties.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between chicken thighs allows hot air to circulate, creating that perfect crispy skin all around.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you enjoy a slight kick of heat.
- If you want an even more golden-brown finish, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
