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Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Lemon Butter Dinner

crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken thighs with a tangy lemon butter sauce, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (extra for sauce)
  • Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, smoked paprika (if using), and a little extra Italian seasoning.
  5. Press the chicken thighs skin-side down into the Parmesan mixture, coating the skin well.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  8. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
  10. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest.
  11. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet for the sauce.
  12. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  14. Spoon some of the lemon butter sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan during searing. Flip chicken only once. Rest chicken after baking to redistribute juices. If Parmesan crust browns too quickly, lower heat or finish baking longer. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with vegan alternative. To reheat leftovers, use a hot oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, Parmesan crusted chicken, lemon butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipe

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