Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce full of garlic and mushrooms. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the pan. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are browned and softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping 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 and dried thyme. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy mushroom sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried if available; add at the end of cooking to keep its flavor bright.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well. Reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based margarine.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.5 from 120 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich, garlicky mushroom cream sauce. Cooked on the stovetop, the chicken develops a crispy skin while the savory sauce is made by sautéing mushrooms and garlic, then simmering with heavy cream and chicken broth to create a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Mushrooms

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Fats and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help achieve crispy skin.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down, cooking for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their moisture.
4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the creamy mushroom sauce, skin side up. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning the creamy garlic mushroom sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Notes

• For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
• To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier meat and crispy skin; boneless will cook faster but may be less flavorful.
• Ensure not to burn the garlic as it becomes bitter quickly.
• This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom chicken, chicken thighs recipe, creamy chicken skillet, garlic mushroom sauce, easy stovetop chicken