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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Herb Butter Crunch

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This recipe transforms simple bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a crispy, flavorful dish with a unique herb butter crunch finish. Perfect for quick, cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small lemon, zest and juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and finely chopped herbs. Add lemon zest if using. Stir well to combine. (5 minutes)
  3. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the skin side of each chicken thigh to form a thick, even layer. (5 minutes)
  4. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2-3 minutes)
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Press down gently to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) if needed.
  6. While chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add extra herbs and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook gently until butter browns lightly and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Once chicken is cooked and rested for a couple of minutes, spoon the warm herb butter over the top, letting it soak into the Parmesan crust. (2 minutes)
  8. Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle any remaining herb butter from the pan on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving if desired.

Notes

Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the Parmesan crust. If browning too fast, lower heat and cover loosely with foil. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan Parmesan and coconut oil instead of butter. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, herb butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, pan-seared chicken, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-herb-butter-crunch/