Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are juicy & tender with lightly crisped edges, thanks to the air fryer – they’re finished with an easy, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s savory, buttery, and velvety without being heavy.
Servings: 5
Calories: 533kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 1½ lbs Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika regular works too for color, but won't add the smokiness
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter unsalted
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese it comes grated in the refrigerated section of the grocery store
- ½ tsp Italian Seasoning
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley optional, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Use tongs to toss the chicken thighs with the oil and spices until they are evenly coated.
Air fry until golden.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken thighs golden and cooked through. You can start checking for doneness at 18 minutes, but you can continue to cook the chicken thighs until they are crisp enough for you!
Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook briefly (about 1 minute) until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Finish and serve.
- Transfer the air fried chicken thighs to a serving plate.
- Spoon warm garlic parmesan sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 533kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 794mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1058IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg
