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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe – Easy Creamy Herb Sauce

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These crispy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs are oven-baked to golden perfection and served with a luscious creamy herb sauce. Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy enough for weeknights, this recipe delivers crunchy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for browning)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed dried oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tbsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Shaved Parmesan (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup panko, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush each thigh with olive oil and dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add thighs skin-side down and cook 4-5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
  5. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until skin is crispy and juices run clear (internal temp 165°F). Alternatively, bake thighs on a rack over a sheet pan.
  6. While chicken bakes, melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly.
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley, and thyme. Simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove chicken from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
  10. Spoon creamy herb sauce over thighs, garnish with extra herbs, shaved Parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for maximum crispiness. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor. For gluten-free, swap panko for almond flour or gluten-free panko. Finish under broiler for extra crunch. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat chicken in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, garlic parmesan, crispy chicken, creamy herb sauce, comfort food, oven baked, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, low-carb option

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