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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Sauce

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a crispy garlic Parmesan crust, served with a bright and zesty lemon sauce. Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallots (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Coat each chicken thigh evenly in the Parmesan-flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well. Shake off any excess.
  4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 7-9 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon minced shallots (if using) to the skillet. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top to coat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and a golden crust. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Lemon sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour. Oven cooking method: sear skin-side down for 5 minutes, then bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic Parmesan chicken, lemon sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option