Tender chicken thighs nestled in a savory, rich mushroom and garlic cream sauce—this recipe is the ultimate comfort food! This dish is inspired by the flavors of rustic Italian cuisine, where cream, garlic, and earthy mushrooms combine beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and feels perfect on a chilly night. My family absolutely loves this one, especially with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up the velvety sauce. Let’s dive into how to make this satisfying, restaurant-quality dish right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Elegant: This recipe brings out sophisticated flavors with minimal effort, perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
- One-Pan Wonder: All you need is one skillet, making cleanup easy and keeping all the flavors perfectly melded.
- Customizable: Swap in different herbs or add more vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
- Perfectly Comforting: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms come together for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: Provides juicy, tender bites in every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the mushrooms.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Use your favorite type—button, cremini, or shiitake all work beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible garlicky depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances the sauce while deglazing the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds savory, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herbaceous note to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep, golden crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
- Add the butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and have released their juices.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (these add incredible flavor to your sauce).
- Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried thyme, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning a bit of sauce over each piece.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Helpful Tips
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: If you prefer extra crispy chicken skin, keep the chicken thighs skin-on and sear them without turning the heat too high. Remove them before making the sauce and add them back in when the sauce is ready.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes before returning the chicken, or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan.
- Mushroom Options: Feel free to use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or baby portobello for more depth of flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Don’t skip deglazing the pan! The browned bits add an amazing depth of flavor to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs work well and will cook faster; check for doneness after about 15-20 minutes of simmering.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare up to the point of adding the chicken to the sauce, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Storage Instructions
- To Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat until the chicken and sauce are heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy, comforting meals:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Wonder
- Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Conclusion
This Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors, tenderness, and warmth. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, and it’s sure to impress any crowd. Now grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and let’s create a little magic in the kitchen! Enjoy every bite!
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Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce
Description
Tender chicken thighs nestled in a savory, rich mushroom and garlic cream sauce—this recipe is the ultimate comfort food! This dish is inspired by the flavors of rustic Italian cuisine, where cream, garlic, and earthy mushrooms combine beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and feels perfect on a chilly night. My family absolutely loves this one, especially with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up the velvety sauce. Let’s dive into how to make this satisfying, restaurant-quality dish right at home!
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: Provides juicy, tender bites in every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the mushrooms.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Use your favorite type—button, cremini, or shiitake all work beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible garlicky depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances the sauce while deglazing the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds savory, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herbaceous note to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh finish to the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep, golden crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
- Add the butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and have released their juices.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (these add incredible flavor to your sauce).
- Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried thyme, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning a bit of sauce over each piece.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Don’t skip deglazing the pan! The browned bits add an amazing depth of flavor to the sauce.