Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Simple Recipe

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- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. This change makes the dish leaner. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. Nutritional yeast works well if you need a cheese substitute. For garlic, try garlic powder if you don’t have fresh cloves. This dish serves four and packs a tasty punch. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get 30 grams of protein, making it filling. The dish also contains 30 grams of fat, so keep this in mind. It has minimal carbs, great for low-carb diets. Remember to adjust based on any substitutions you make. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for later baking. While it heats, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken evenly. Now, take four chicken thighs. Make sure they are bone-in and skin-on. Season them with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to get golden brown and crispy. After that, flip the thighs over. Sear the other side for another 5 minutes. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir as it warms up. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of that creamy sauce over them. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbly when ready. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get the best flavor, start with a hot pan. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet. Don’t rush this step! Let them sear for 5 to 7 minutes. You want a nice golden-brown color. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for about 5 minutes. This gives a great texture and taste. The secret to a smooth sauce is constant stirring. After you add the garlic, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently to mix well. Let it simmer slowly. As it warms, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it creamy and pourable. Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Serve them over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. For a tasty twist, try garlic bread on the side. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This dish is great for family dinners or special occasions. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. Vegetables boost flavor and nutrition. Good choices include spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. These add color and texture to the meal. To add them, sauté the vegetables after cooking the garlic. Then, mix them into the creamy sauce before adding the chicken back in. This simple step makes the dish hearty and colorful. While parmesan cheese shines in this recipe, you can mix it up. You might try mozzarella for a stretchy, cheesy effect. Or use asiago for a sharper taste. Another choice is gouda, which adds a smoky flavor. Feel free to combine two or more cheeses for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well into the sauce for that creamy texture. If you love spice, consider adding heat to your dish. One easy way is to add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. This variation is perfect if you enjoy bold flavors. Just remember to balance the spice with the creamy sauce for a tasty dish. After enjoying your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to pour any extra sauce over the chicken. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them is key. Use an oven or stovetop for the best results. If using the oven, heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. If using a stovetop, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy. If you want to save your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy. Chicken breasts need about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Check for a nice golden color and a temperature of 165°F (75°C). You have many tasty options! Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted broccoli - Rice pilaf - A fresh garden salad Each side pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can mix and match based on what you love. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. You want it to read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear. No pink should be visible in the meat. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This guide helped you make creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. We covered the needed ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can enjoy fun variations, store leftovers well, and answer common questions. Cooking can be simple and rewarding. Experiment with flavors, and find what you like best. Share this dish with friends and family, and enjoy every bite!

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Craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and oh-so-simple? Look no further! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs recipe is your new go-to. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your family or friends. I’ll guide you through searing the chicken perfectly and creating a luscious sauce. Ready to satisfy your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delicious meal!

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Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions for Ingredients

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. This change makes the dish leaner. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. Nutritional yeast works well if you need a cheese substitute. For garlic, try garlic powder if you don’t have fresh cloves.

Nutritional Information

This dish serves four and packs a tasty punch. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get 30 grams of protein, making it filling. The dish also contains 30 grams of fat, so keep this in mind. It has minimal carbs, great for low-carb diets. Remember to adjust based on any substitutions you make.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Preparing the Skillet

First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for later baking. While it heats, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken evenly.

Searing the Chicken Thighs

Now, take four chicken thighs. Make sure they are bone-in and skin-on. Season them with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to get golden brown and crispy. After that, flip the thighs over. Sear the other side for another 5 minutes. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate.

Making the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir as it warms up. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of that creamy sauce over them. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbly when ready. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sear

To get the best flavor, start with a hot pan. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet. Don’t rush this step! Let them sear for 5 to 7 minutes. You want a nice golden-brown color. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for about 5 minutes. This gives a great texture and taste.

How to Ensure Creamy Sauce Consistency

The secret to a smooth sauce is constant stirring. After you add the garlic, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently to mix well. Let it simmer slowly. As it warms, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it creamy and pourable.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Pairings

Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Serve them over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. For a tasty twist, try garlic bread on the side. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This dish is great for family dinners or special occasions.

Variations

Incorporating Vegetables in the Dish

You can add veggies to your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. Vegetables boost flavor and nutrition. Good choices include spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. These add color and texture to the meal. To add them, sauté the vegetables after cooking the garlic. Then, mix them into the creamy sauce before adding the chicken back in. This simple step makes the dish hearty and colorful.

Different Cheese Options

While parmesan cheese shines in this recipe, you can mix it up. You might try mozzarella for a stretchy, cheesy effect. Or use asiago for a sharper taste. Another choice is gouda, which adds a smoky flavor. Feel free to combine two or more cheeses for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well into the sauce for that creamy texture.

Adding Heat: Spicy Variations

If you love spice, consider adding heat to your dish. One easy way is to add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. This variation is perfect if you enjoy bold flavors. Just remember to balance the spice with the creamy sauce for a tasty dish.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage Instructions

After enjoying your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to pour any extra sauce over the chicken. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them is key. Use an oven or stovetop for the best results. If using the oven, heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. If using a stovetop, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

If you want to save your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy. Chicken breasts need about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Check for a nice golden color and a temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs?

You have many tasty options! Here are some ideas:

– Mashed potatoes

– Steamed green beans

– Roasted broccoli

– Rice pilaf

– A fresh garden salad

Each side pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can mix and match based on what you love.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. You want it to read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear. No pink should be visible in the meat. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

This guide helped you make creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. We covered the needed ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can enjoy fun variations, store leftovers well, and answer common questions.

Cooking can be simple and rewarding. Experiment with flavors, and find what you like best. Share this dish with friends and family, and enjoy every bite!

- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. This change makes the dish leaner. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. Nutritional yeast works well if you need a cheese substitute. For garlic, try garlic powder if you don’t have fresh cloves. This dish serves four and packs a tasty punch. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get 30 grams of protein, making it filling. The dish also contains 30 grams of fat, so keep this in mind. It has minimal carbs, great for low-carb diets. Remember to adjust based on any substitutions you make. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for later baking. While it heats, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken evenly. Now, take four chicken thighs. Make sure they are bone-in and skin-on. Season them with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to get golden brown and crispy. After that, flip the thighs over. Sear the other side for another 5 minutes. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir as it warms up. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of that creamy sauce over them. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbly when ready. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get the best flavor, start with a hot pan. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet. Don’t rush this step! Let them sear for 5 to 7 minutes. You want a nice golden-brown color. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for about 5 minutes. This gives a great texture and taste. The secret to a smooth sauce is constant stirring. After you add the garlic, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently to mix well. Let it simmer slowly. As it warms, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it creamy and pourable. Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Serve them over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. For a tasty twist, try garlic bread on the side. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This dish is great for family dinners or special occasions. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. Vegetables boost flavor and nutrition. Good choices include spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. These add color and texture to the meal. To add them, sauté the vegetables after cooking the garlic. Then, mix them into the creamy sauce before adding the chicken back in. This simple step makes the dish hearty and colorful. While parmesan cheese shines in this recipe, you can mix it up. You might try mozzarella for a stretchy, cheesy effect. Or use asiago for a sharper taste. Another choice is gouda, which adds a smoky flavor. Feel free to combine two or more cheeses for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well into the sauce for that creamy texture. If you love spice, consider adding heat to your dish. One easy way is to add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. This variation is perfect if you enjoy bold flavors. Just remember to balance the spice with the creamy sauce for a tasty dish. After enjoying your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to pour any extra sauce over the chicken. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them is key. Use an oven or stovetop for the best results. If using the oven, heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. If using a stovetop, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy. If you want to save your creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy. Chicken breasts need about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Check for a nice golden color and a temperature of 165°F (75°C). You have many tasty options! Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted broccoli - Rice pilaf - A fresh garden salad Each side pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can mix and match based on what you love. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. You want it to read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear. No pink should be visible in the meat. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This guide helped you make creamy garlic parmesan chicken thighs. We covered the needed ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can enjoy fun variations, store leftovers well, and answer common questions. Cooking can be simple and rewarding. Experiment with flavors, and find what you like best. Share this dish with friends and family, and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Indulge in this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs recipe that will have your taste buds dancing! With juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, you'll love how simple it is to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will rave about!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

      Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs over to sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

          In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

            Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.

              Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the cream mixture. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

                Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.

                  Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbly.

                    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

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