Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This comforting dish features crispy skin on the chicken combined with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is straightforward to make.
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
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin during cooking. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter if using and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- For crispier skin, ensure chicken thighs are thoroughly patted dry before seasoning.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for melting and flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties as they may not melt as smoothly.
- Butter is optional but adds extra richness to the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning herbs like thyme and Italian seasoning to your taste or omit if not desired.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
