Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon smoky paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish - Fresh herbs for seasoning The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet flavorful. The chicken thighs provide rich taste and moisture. Garlic adds a strong aroma and depth. Parmesan cheese brings a savory kick that makes each bite special. For the additional ingredients, melted butter creates a luscious coating for the chicken. Olive oil helps with browning and adds a fruity note. Fresh parsley gives color and a hint of freshness. Smoky paprika brings warmth and subtle spice. Salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor, making sure each bite is seasoned just right. You can add lemon wedges to brighten the dish. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste and make it look inviting. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Whisk together melted butter, garlic, olive oil, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper. In this first step, you set the stage for great flavor. Preheating the oven helps the chicken cook evenly. Whisking the ingredients combines all the flavors. You want a smooth mixture to coat the chicken well. - Coat chicken thighs in the garlic butter mixture. - Arrange chicken in the baking dish, skin-side up. When you coat the chicken, make sure each piece gets a good amount of the garlic butter. This step is key for flavor. Arranging them skin-side up allows the skin to get crispy as it cooks. - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on chicken thighs. - Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked and golden brown. - Broil for the last 5 minutes for crispy topping. Adding Parmesan cheese gives the chicken a nice, rich flavor. Baking it allows the chicken to cook through. The broiling step at the end adds a crispy topping that takes this dish to the next level. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. To get the best flavor, use fresh garlic. It brings a strong taste. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes or more smoky paprika. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Use less salt if you prefer, but keep the balance. Massaging the chicken is key. This helps the flavors soak in well. Take your time when you coat the chicken. Make sure every part is covered in your garlic butter mix. For a great crust, bake the chicken skin-side up. This allows the skin to get nice and crispy. Broiling at the end adds an extra crunch to the cheese. Serve the chicken on a big platter. Drizzle leftover garlic butter over it for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Pair the chicken with a bright salad or steamed veggies. These sides not only look good but taste great with the chicken too. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs for better flavor and texture. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced options. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning the Parmesan during broiling. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of Garlic Parmesan Chicken easily. Adding lemon zest or juice brings a fresh, bright note. The citrus cuts through the richness and makes it pop. You can also swap out Parmesan cheese. Try Gouda or Cheddar for a new flavor twist. These cheeses melt well and give a different texture. You have options on how to cook this dish. Grilling gives a smoky taste and crispy skin. To grill, marinate the chicken in the garlic mixture. Cook on medium heat until done. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C). If you prefer baking, follow the original recipe. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender. Use the same garlic butter mixture to keep the flavor strong. If you need gluten-free options, check your ingredients. Make sure the butter and cheese are gluten-free. You can also use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. For a low-carb version, skip the cheese or use a smaller amount. You can also serve the chicken with non-starchy veggies like zucchini or spinach. This keeps the meal light and healthy. To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. For best results, keep the skin on; it helps to lock in moisture. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before use. This prevents any unwanted flavors from mixing in. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken. The oven keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy. If you must use a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. To maintain crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of reheating. Watch it closely to prevent burning. This step brings back the crunchy texture of the Parmesan. To freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bags with the date and contents. This helps you track freshness. Freeze the chicken as soon as possible after cooking for the best quality. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave’s defrost setting. After thawing, follow the reheating guidelines to warm it up. Always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before eating. Garlic Parmesan Chicken takes about 50 minutes in total. You need 10 minutes for prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. This timing gives you golden, juicy chicken. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook a bit faster than bone-in thighs. Check for doneness after about 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Garlic bread - Mashed potatoes - Rice or quinoa For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. These pair well with the rich flavors of the chicken. This blog post provides a simple and tasty recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking techniques to ensure your chicken is flavorful and crispy. Remember, seasoning and technique matter for the best results. You can also explore variations and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy making this dish, knowing it can suit different tastes and dietary needs. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight

A delicious and flavorful chicken dish featuring garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoky paprika
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the garlic butter mixture, massaging it into the skin for maximum flavor.
Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish, placing them skin-side up for optimal browning.
Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken thigh, ensuring it covers them for a rich flavor and delightful crust.
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The chicken is ready when it's golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
In the final 5 minutes of baking, switch your oven setting to broil to achieve a crispy, golden crust on the Parmesan.
Once baked to perfection, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle it with the finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

For an appealing display, serve on a large platter with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.

Keyword baked, chicken, delicious, garlic, Parmesan