Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

$To make creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs, you need the following: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or cheddar. - Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning. - If you don’t have paprika, use cayenne pepper for some heat. I love to serve this dish with sides that complement its rich flavors: - Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect match. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and health. - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess. - Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. These pairings enhance the meal and make each bite even more enjoyable! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the oven is ready when you need it. Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and place it on medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds flavor to the chicken. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them sear for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn a nice golden brown. After that, flip the chicken thighs carefully. Cook them for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step gives the chicken a great crust and locks in juices. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You will smell a wonderful aroma. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring to mix it with the garlic. Gradually add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce will coat the chicken perfectly. Now, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Make sure they are submerged in the creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When you take it out, let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To get crispy skin, start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken thighs with paper towels. This helps the skin get golden brown. Sear the chicken skin-side down on medium-high heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step; it makes a big difference. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This method locks in flavor and moisture. Seasoning is key to tasty chicken. Use salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavor. Paprika adds a nice touch, giving a slight smokiness. Italian seasoning adds depth with herbs like oregano and basil. You can also add crushed red pepper for heat. Don’t be shy with your spices; they can elevate your dish. Don’t waste that creamy garlic sauce! It’s full of flavor and can be used in many ways. Pour it over pasta for a quick meal. You can also use it as a dip for breadsticks or vegetables. Mix it with cooked rice for a tasty side dish. Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently before using. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, as this helps achieve a crispy skin and enhances flavor. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options, elevating your sauce to new heights. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth, maintaining the flavor while reducing calories. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld and keeps the meat juicy. {{image_2}} For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. This change gives a rich taste without dairy. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Adjust salt to enhance the taste. This keeps your dish creamy and tasty, even without dairy. You can easily add veggies for more nutrition. Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream. For more protein, consider using shrimp or tofu. Add them to the skillet after the chicken. This makes your meal heartier and colorful. If you want to change the cheese, try mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor. Goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. Each cheese brings a unique taste, so feel free to mix and match. Your dish will always taste amazing with these options. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs fresh, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Add the sauce on top to keep it moist. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken flavorful and tender. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream, then heat over medium until hot. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the chicken completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out any air and seal it. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll keep the rich flavors intact. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Check that they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. You can use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Both give a creamy texture. For a lighter option, use whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. This keeps the dish rich without being too heavy. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. If unsure, cut into the thickest part of the thigh. It should not be pink inside. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making flavorful chicken thighs. You learned about ingredient swaps, perfect cooking methods, and storage tips. In the kitchen, being creative and flexible can lead to better meals. Experimenting with flavors and methods can make cooking fun. Enjoy cooking and share these tips with others!$

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Delicious chicken thighs cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Gradually add in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and cheese is melted.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are submerged in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, parmesan