Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs simmered in a rich and silky garlic mushroom cream sauce. This comforting yet elegant dish delivers a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and creamy flavors, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mushroom Garlic Sauce
- 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken Thighs: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook the other side briefly, about 2-3 minutes, then remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the diced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start to brown and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and gently scrape up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Allow the broth to reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened and velvety.
- Return Chicken to the Pan and Finish Cooking: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the creamy mushroom sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the sauce is infused with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top before serving directly from the skillet for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy, golden skin.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning instead of steaming.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for better moisture retention and flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently over low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to brighten the flavor without overpowering.
- For dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.
- Try different mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello for varied flavor.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or kale for additional nutrition.
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan for enhanced brightness.
- Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom chicken, chicken thighs recipe, comfort food, creamy chicken, mushroom sauce, easy dinner, gluten-free chicken