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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe With Easy Lemon Butter Pasta

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A flavorful and crispy garlic Parmesan crusted chicken thigh served with bright and silky lemon butter pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (for chicken)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (75 g)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or a few sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta (225 g)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (55 g)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (for pasta)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and grated Parmesan. Add about 1 tbsp olive oil to bind into a paste. Add herbs if using.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press down lightly and cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until skin is deeply golden and releases easily.
  6. Flip chicken thighs skin-side up. Spread the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over the skin, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and Parmesan crust is bubbly and golden.
  8. While chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (9-11 minutes).
  9. Drain pasta, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  10. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  11. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if pasta feels dry.
  12. Season pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in chopped parsley.
  13. Serve crispy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs atop or alongside the lemon butter pasta.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not move chicken while searing until it naturally releases from the pan. Tent with foil if Parmesan crust browns too quickly. Adjust pasta sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Start pasta as chicken goes into oven for timing.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic Parmesan chicken, lemon butter pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, chicken recipe, Parmesan crust, lemon pasta

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-lemon-butter-pasta/