Parmesan Chicken Thighs

These Parmesan Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich tomato and herb sauce, finished with a melty cheese topping and a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for added crunch. The combination of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan creates a comforting, flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Easy to prepare and cooked in one pan, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Serve with a side of crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce!

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 300g total), pounded to an even thickness
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried herb mix (basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (400g) can crushed tomatoes
• Pinch of smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• ½ cup shredded cheese blend (Mozzarella & Parmesan mix)
• ¼ cup crushed crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Method

I use a cast iron pan for this.

1. Prepare the chicken thighs:
   • Trim excess fat if needed.
   • Mix the dried herbs with the salt and pepper.
   • Sprinkle the herb mix evenly over the chicken, pressing in lightly
   • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried herb mix.
   • Pound the chicken thighs lightly between baking paper or cling film with a rolling pin or meat mallet to even out thickness (this helps them cook evenly).
2. Cook the chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
3. Make the sauce:
   • Add onion and garlic to the same pan; cook for 2-3 minutes.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar.
     Tip: Consider using fresh basil later in the cooking process.
   • Return the chicken thighs to the pan and bring to a simmer.
   • Cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
     Tip: Consider adding fresh herbs toward the end of cooking instead of dried herbs at the beginning.
4. Add cheese and finish:
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken.
   • Cover and cook for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
   • Top with crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs.
   • Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley.