Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (40 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

These garlic parmesan chicken thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

This recipe features chicken that’s pan-seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a savory, cheesy flavor, all cooked in one skillet for convenience.

Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these chicken thighs are sure to please anyone who loves the combination of garlic and cheese in a hearty chicken dish.

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken (5 minutes): Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Brown Chicken Thighs (10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic (2 minutes): In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Create Parmesan Sauce (10 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce (10 minutes): Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  6. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the chicken thighs hot, ensuring each serving is coated with the delicious sauce.
  7. Enjoy (1 minute): Enjoy the creamy, garlicky, and cheesy flavors that make this chicken dish a delightful treat.

Notes

Achieving the perfect result is all about getting a good sear on the chicken and balancing the flavors in the sauce. The garlic should be sautéed until fragrant but not burnt, as it forms the base of the sauce’s flavor.

The Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the sauce, which should be creamy but not overly thick. Serving the chicken thighs with the sauce ensures they remain juicy and flavorful. This dish is a wonderful combination of simplicity and taste, making it a go-to recipe for chicken lovers.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Twice Baked Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take some russet potatoes, scrub them clean, then prick them with a fork to let steam escape. Rub the skins with a little oil and sprinkle with salt for extra crispy results. Bake for about an hour or until tender. Let them cool just enough to handle, then slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Place the scooped potato in a bowl. Mix in some butter, sour cream, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), and season with salt and pepper. Mash it all up until creamy. Now, stuff that rich mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins. Top with some extra cheese if you're feeling cheesy! Pop them back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden. Finish with a sprinkle of chives or green onions.

Roasted Red and Yellow Beets

Begin by choosing fresh, firm beets, giving them a good scrub to remove any lingering dirt. Trim off the greens (save them for another dish!), and wrap each beet individually in foil. No need to peel them just yet. Place them on a baking tray and pop them into a preheated oven. As they roast, the beets transform, intensifying in flavor and becoming wonderfully tender. Once they're done, allow them to cool a bit, then use your hands or a paper towel to rub off the skin. It'll slide right off! Slice or dice, and marvel at the vibrant hue. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and perhaps a dash of balsamic vinegar.

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Baked Potato with Beef Tips and Gravy (60-65 Minutes)

Lobster Roll with Buttered Bun (25 Minutes)

Simple and Flavorful Seared Salmon (20 Minutes)

Eggplant and Tofu Teriyaki (35 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!