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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy One Pot Dinner

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This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs recipe is the kind of meal that makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, it’s all done in one pot. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with the spice mixture. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan.
  3. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted and foamy, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  4. Deglaze the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
  5. Make the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  6. Add the Parmesan. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the sauce. The sauce should be smooth, thick, and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan. Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the tops. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest and garnish. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
  9. Serve immediately. Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken thighs and your chosen side.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the chicken for a crispy skin. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Keep the heat low when adding cream and Parmesan to prevent curdling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth or cream; for a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs, one pot chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-easy-one-pot-dinner/