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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Easy Zesty Lemon Pan Sauce

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features crispy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs paired with a zesty lemon pan sauce, delivering a comforting yet fresh meal with a crunchy crust and bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
  • Salt and coarse black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine (60 ml), optional for deglazing

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper and set aside.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Press the skin side of each chicken thigh firmly into the Parmesan mixture to coat well. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Wait until oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the pan, pressing lightly to adhere the Parmesan crust. Cook without moving for 6–8 minutes until skin is deep golden and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat to medium-low if crust starts to burn.
  7. Remove chicken to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Lower heat to medium-low, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet drippings. Sauté garlic gently until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  9. Pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add lemon juice and zest, then simmer sauce for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
  10. Spoon lemon pan sauce over chicken thighs and garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken skin very dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Press Parmesan mixture firmly onto skin to prevent crust from falling off. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free crust, substitute almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Butter can be swapped for dairy-free spread for vegan adaptations with plant-based chicken alternatives. Avoid burning garlic in sauce by sautéing gently over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic Parmesan chicken, lemon pan sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-pan-sauce/