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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Thighs (Easy Recipe)

crispy garlic parmesan roasted chicken thighs - featured image

These crispy garlic parmesan roasted chicken thighs are simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for company. The combination of crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat, all coated in that savory garlic-parmesan crust, is genuinely hard to beat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.53 pounds total)
  • 68 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ยฝ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1ยฝ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the garlic-parmesan mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (12-inch cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Do not crowd themโ€”work in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs (do not pierce the skin). Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Spread the garlic-parmesan mixture evenly over the skin side of each chicken thigh using the back of a spoon.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest in the skillet for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after roasting to redistribute juices. For best reheating, use a 350ยฐF oven for 10-12 minutes or an air fryer; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, roasted chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb