Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and heat through for 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, leave the skin on the chicken thighs and sear skin-side down first.
• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for additional flavor and texture.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance the dish’s brightness and aroma.
• Red pepper flakes add heat; adjust the amount or omit based on your preference.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in thighs can be used but will require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness.

What can I serve with chicken thighs in creamy garlic sauce?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

This Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich and flavorful garlic cream sauce. Infused with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this dish is simple to prepare yet indulgently delicious—perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add chopped parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and juice. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
• This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice.
• If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken, chicken thighs recipe, garlic cream sauce, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken recipe