Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs recipe is packed with flavor thanks to the rich garlic, buttery sauce, and sharp parmesan cheese. The chicken thighs cook to perfection in the skillet, with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a savory sauce that’s irresistible, making every bite packed with delicious flavor. It’s simple to prepare, cooks in just one pan, and is versatile enough to be served with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.

4. Combine and Coat: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the butter and garlic. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out. Once the sauce is smooth, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

5. Simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.

• Different Cheese: Swap the parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a mix of parmesan and mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, or parsley instead of dried oregano and thyme for a more fragrant finish.

• Boneless, Skinless Thighs: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to about 5-6 minutes per side, as they cook faster.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the chicken in the skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or broth to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken for 1-2 minutes, but the skin will lose its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they will cook faster than thighs. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.

How do I make sure the chicken skin stays crispy?

To ensure crispy skin, make sure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning and cooking, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Let the chicken cook undisturbed on the skin side until it’s golden and crispy.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently. Just make sure to reheat it on low heat to maintain the chicken’s juiciness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While parmesan gives a classic garlic butter flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses such as romano, asiago, or even mozzarella for a different taste and texture.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can I use skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, skinless thighs will work, but they won’t be as crispy. The cooking time will also be shorter, so be sure to monitor the chicken closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

It’s best to thaw frozen chicken thighs before cooking for even cooking. If you must cook from frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil or another cooking oil in place of butter for a lighter option. While the flavor may be slightly different, it will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or asparagus to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to make the meal more balanced and colorful.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and substitute the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that will satisfy your taste buds without requiring a lot of time or effort. The crispy chicken, savory garlic butter sauce, and rich parmesan create the perfect combination that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with minimal cleanup and only a few ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week!