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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend These main ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce for the chicken. The bone-in, skin-on thighs add flavor and moisture. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make the sauce smooth and cheesy. Garlic gives it a strong, tasty kick. The Italian seasoning adds a nice blend of herbs. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Salt and black pepper enhance the chicken's flavor. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish. This simple garnish makes the meal look beautiful on the plate. You can never go wrong with fresh herbs! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important. A hot oven helps cook the chicken evenly and makes the sauce bubble nicely. Next, grab a large, oven-safe skillet. Pour in one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes. You want that skin to be golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Now it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir often to keep the garlic from burning. Once it smells amazing, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top for extra flavor. Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. When done, take the skillet out of the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. To get that crispy skin, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down first. Don't move them for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop a nice golden color. Flip them over for another 5 minutes. This method locks in moisture while creating a crunchy texture. To ensure a rich sauce, use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. When you add the cream, do it slowly while stirring. This helps avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts fully. This will give your sauce that luxurious, creamy feel everyone loves. You can boost flavor with fresh herbs or spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like spice. For a zesty twist, consider lemon zest. These additions will elevate your dish and make it even more delightful. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding some greens. Spinach or broccoli works great. They cook quickly and add color. To add spinach, stir it into the sauce right before serving. For broccoli, you can steam it lightly and then mix it into the dish. This gives you tasty veggies with every bite. If you want to switch things up, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts cook faster. They are leaner and still soak up the creamy sauce. Just be careful not to overcook them. You can also try using turkey thighs for a fun twist. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture. For a new taste, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or lemon zest. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy kick. Chop them up and mix them into the sauce. Lemon zest brightens the dish. Just a little zest goes a long way. It adds freshness to the creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment! To store creamy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs, let them cool down first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts and check often. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove all air to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. Skinless thighs have less fat. This change may make the dish lighter. You might need to adjust the cooking time. Skin adds moisture and flavor, so add a little extra oil. This will help keep the chicken juicy. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish. Another great option is Greek yogurt. Mix it with a bit of broth for creaminess. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free choice too. These swaps still give a nice texture, but with fewer calories. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. Follow these tips, and you'll serve perfect chicken every time! This blog post covered how to make a creamy chicken dish. We explored the key ingredients, like chicken thighs, cream, and Parmesan. I shared how to prepare, cook, and season the dish for great flavor. Plus, I gave tips on how to ensure the chicken turns out crispy. Remember, you can add veggies or change proteins for variety. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these steps will help you enjoy this recipe. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs that will make your dinner unforgettable! This easy recipe combines crispy chicken thighs with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce that everyone will love. Perfect for any weekday meal or a special occasion, it's quick to prepare and a delight to savor. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's hot and ready for cooking.

    In a large, oven-safe skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides.

      When the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken thighs into the skillet, skin-side down. Allow them to sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until the skin achieves a beautiful golden-brown and crispy texture. Carefully flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.

        Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set aside for now.

          In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.

            Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.

              Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.

                Return the browned chicken thighs back to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce and spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top.

                  Carefully 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 bubbling enticingly.

                    Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

                        - Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or serve over a bed of al dente pasta for a heartier meal.