Description
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious creamy garlic mushroom sauce. Enhanced with fresh herbs and rich flavors, this comforting skillet meal is perfect for a cozy dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mushroom Sauce
- 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure a flavorful, crispy crust when seared.
- Sear the chicken thighs: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and become tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, being careful to avoid bitterness.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the creamy mushroom sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the dish to add brightness and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry for a crispy skin.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs add a bright contrast — try both thyme and parsley to see which you prefer.
- To make this gluten-free, verify that your chicken broth contains no gluten additives.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
