There’s something about a cozy evening spent in the kitchen that transforms an ordinary day into something special. Picture this: the aromas of garlic wafting through your home, the sizzle of chicken in your oven—magic is indeed happening! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs. It’s simple, it’s quick, and let’s be honest—it’s downright delicious. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Here’s why you should tie on that apron tonight! First, this recipe bursts with flavor—garlic mingling with rich parmesan creates a marriage of taste that sings in the mouth. Plus, chicken thighs are so forgiving; they tend to stay juicy and tender even when cooked briskly. Picture it: a crunchy, golden-brown crust enveloping succulent chicken—the texture contrast is heavenly!
What’s even better? You can throw this together on a busy weekday or dress it up for a casual dinner party. Pair it up with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal fit for royalty. Making it is smooth sailing, yet every bite offers a burst of comfort that feels like a warm hug. Seriously, this is the recipe that keeps on giving!
Gather these ingredients
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8 boneless skinless chicken thighs: These beauties are your canvas. Thighs contain a bit more fat than breasts, which keeps them moist and flavorful. If you’re looking for a lean option, chicken breasts could work, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the juiciness!
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2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil not only helps the garlic infuse into the chicken but also assists in achieving that lovely golden crust. If you’re out of olive oil, melted butter will do the trick beautifully—just imagine that richness!
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3/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Go for the real deal here! Freshly grated parmesan is like unveiling a treasure trove of flavor with every bite. If you can’t find parmesan, pecorino romano can offer a pleasing twist—just remember, it’s saltier!
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1 cup plain breadcrumbs: They’re your secret weapon to achieve that satisfying crunch! You can create your own from stale bread or buy them. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an even crisper finish if you’re feeling adventurous.
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3 cloves garlic (minced or two teaspoons garlic powder): Garlic is the heart of this dish, folks. Use fresh if you can, but in a pinch, garlic powder works splendidly too.
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1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried): This blend is like Italy in a jar! If you want to elevate it, try adding a pinch of fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
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1/2 teaspoon oregano (dried): Oregano has a wonderfully robust flavor that vibes well with chicken. Fresh oregano is an even zestier option if you have that on hand!
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Salt and black pepper to taste: Classic seasonings that bring everything together. Don’t skimp! Salt helps enhance flavors, while pepper adds a gentle kick.
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we? This isn’t just cooking; it’s creating your little masterpiece!
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Prepare your baking dish: Grab a 9×13 dish and spray it generously with non-stick spray. Nobody likes that sticky predicament—let’s avoid it!
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Make your garlic mixture: In a shallow dish, blend the olive oil and minced garlic, creating a heavenly concoction. This is where the magic begins!
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Mix the dry ingredients: In another dish, whisk together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Get your fingers in there—this is where great textures are born.
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Season your chicken: Sprinkle each chicken thigh with salt and pepper generously—don’t be shy!
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Dredge the chicken: Dip each thigh into the olive oil-garlic mix first, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, giving it a generous coating—this step is akin to a warm hug for your chicken.
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Arrange in the baking dish: Place those beauties in the prepared baking dish, neat and closely together.
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Bake: Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and let it work its magic for about 30 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer—it should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
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Broil for golden goodness: Finish it with a quick stint under the broiler for two minutes. Watch it like a hawk! We want it browned, not burnt.
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Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Voilà, a plate that’s a showstopper!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, how do you serve it? Fresh out of the oven, let me suggest piling those crispy, golden thighs onto a platter. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or serve alongside a zesty lemon wedge; a spritz of juice right before serving lifts the flavors beautifully.
Pair it with a mountain of garlicky mashed potatoes or a vibrant arugula salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables—think seasonal squash, green beans, or even honey-glazed carrots—will harmonize spectacularly with the dish.
Storage and reheating tips
So, you’ve either got leftovers (lucky you!) or you’ve made a meal for the ages. Here’s how to store this delightful dish:
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Refrigerate: Once cooled, place leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
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Freeze: Need to stash some away for a rainy day? Wrap those chicken thighs tightly with plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months.
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Reheat: To warm them up, pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If they seem a bit dry, a splash of broth can work wonders!
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t skimp on seasoning! It’s the foundation of flavor that elevates the dish.
- If you want to make this extra special, try marinating the chicken in the olive oil and garlic for a few hours (or overnight) for an extra punch.
- Always taste as you go, especially with the seasoning. This is your dish; make it yours!
Creative Twists
Feel like getting a little wild? Here are some fun adaptations to try:
- Add some Heat: If you’re in a fiery mood, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded mozzarella with your parmesan for an ooey-gooey experience.
- Savory Herbs: Swap out the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a different vibe!
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or two teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine olive oil and garlic.
- In a second shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and oregano.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Dip one thigh into the oil mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Dredge through the breadcrumb mixture and place it in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat for each thigh.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for two minutes to brown the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of around 30 minutes, so you can have dinner ready in under an hour!
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
You can, but remember that breasts can dry out more easily. Just monitor the cooking time closely!
What sides do you recommend?
Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad are all fantastic choices!
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it the night before, refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety or crushed nuts!
Every single bite of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs evokes a sense of pure satisfaction. So go ahead, step into your kitchen and whip this up! I encourage you to put your spin on it, making it your very own family favorite. Whether it’s a pop of citrus, a sprinkle of your favorite spice, or a bowl of joy shared with loved ones, get ready for an experience that truly comforts the soul. Happy cooking, my friend!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Description
Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with these juicy chicken thighs. Quick to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both busy weeknights and casual dinner parties.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the baking dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray. -
Make the garlic mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. -
Mix the dry ingredients
In another dish, whisk together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and oregano. -
Season the chicken
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on each chicken thigh. -
Dredge the chicken
Dip each chicken thigh into the garlic mixture first, then dredge through the breadcrumb mixture, coating well. -
Arrange in the baking dish
Place the coated chicken thighs neatly in the prepared baking dish. -
Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Broil for finishing
Broil for 2 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust, keeping a close watch. -
Garnish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 130mg44%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 400 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
