Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs is a comforting and indulgent one-pan dish featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy garlic mushroom sauce. This savory meal combines the earthiness of mushrooms with fresh garlic, herbs, and a luscious cream sauce that perfectly balances flavors and textures, making it an ideal dinner for families or solo dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Searing & Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Herbs and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to build flavor and promote a golden crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they become soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic’s fragrance.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth reduce slightly, then pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up and nestling them into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Dry chicken skin thoroughly before searing to achieve a beautifully crisp texture.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently; rushing can prevent the perfect creamy consistency.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel for even searing and superior flavor absorption.
- Fresh minced garlic is preferred over garlic powder for a more vibrant and rich flavor.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg