This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy, flavor packed meal that works any night of the week. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful parmesan mix of garlic, lemon zest, and a little honey, then seared until golden and crisp. The buttery pan sauce brings everything together for a simple but seriously delicious dish.
It’s a one-pan recipe that feels a little fancy but takes hardly any effort. The fresh thyme and lemon slices on top add a bright and fresh finish. Serve it with roasted veggies, a side salad or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a complete meal you’ll want to make on repeat!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Chicken Pesto Linguine, Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs or Creamy Chicken Orzo.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: This dish is quick to make because the chicken thighs cook up in just 4-5 minutes per side, with a golden, crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. This takes minimal prep time and the whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice when you're short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
- Flavorful: It’s packed with flavor thanks to the perfect mix of garlic, fresh lemon zest, parmesan and a touch of honey. These ingredients are savory and slightly sweet and complement the chicken without overpowering it. It’s a bright and well rounded dish that’s anything but basic.
- One pan: With only one skillet needed to cook the chicken and make the rich, buttery pan sauce, this dish keeps things simple. There’s no need for multiple pots or pans, so cleanup is quick and easy, leaving you more time to relax after dinner instead of doing dishes.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this chicken dish:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Olive oil: Use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor.
- Honey: Any honey you have on hand will work great in this recipe!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will add the best tangy lemon flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: I recommend using parmigiano reggiano if you can. It's the best quality cheese and really improves the flavor of any dish.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt content of the dish.
- Thyme: Use fresh thyme for the best flavor.
See recipe card below for quantities.
How to Make One Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Let's make this lemon garlic parmesan chicken together!
- Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them sear properly. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, black pepper, onion powder, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3: Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a plate and top with fresh thyme and lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this chicken dinner recipe:
- Use a thermometer: Check for doneness by using an instant read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh for an accurate reading.
- Rest time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps lock in the juices and keeps it from drying out.
- Marinate longer: If you have time, you can let the chicken sit in the marinade for 15-30 minutes before cooking to boost the flavor.
Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple chicken recipe.
Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless breasts instead of thighs. Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking. If you wanted, you could use bone-in chicken thighs, but just keep in mind the cooking time will be longer.
Thyme: Try fresh basil or parsley instead of thyme for a different fresh herb flavor.
Additions: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for some heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked chicken for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F), then broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, slightly crispy finish.
You can substitute maple syrup or agave for a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor. You could also skip the sweetener altogether for a more savory dish.
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this chicken recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Place cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh thyme for serving
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, black pepper, onion powder, lemon zest, and parmesan in a bowl. Add chicken and mix well.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add chicken to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Work in batches as necessary.
- Serve with fresh thyme and lemon slices.
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