Description
This recipe features juicy, golden chicken thighs cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The chicken is seared to crispy perfection on the stovetop, then simmered in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, fresh Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless thighs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and help achieve crispy skin.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 6–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Sauté garlic and prepare sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter if using and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the dish simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to meld nicely with the meat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately alongside your preferred side dishes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture, but boneless can be used if preferred.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields a better flavor and texture than pre-grated.
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so serve promptly for best consistency.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
