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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

garlic chicken thighs

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
  3. Once butter is melted, place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes, then remove chicken to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add shallot if using, sauté for 1 minute.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  9. Reduce liquid by half, about 2-3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and thyme and Dijon if using.
  10. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce starts to thicken slightly.
  11. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, making sure skin stays above the sauce.
  12. Partially cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  13. If using Parmesan, stir into sauce in the final 2 minutes of cooking.
  14. Let dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest if using before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they provide the most flavor.
  • Don’t rush the mushroom cooking process – allowing them to release their moisture and then caramelize concentrates their flavor.
  • Keep the chicken skin above the sauce when simmering to maintain its crispy texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk thickened with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom chicken thighs, garlic chicken thighs, mushroom sauce, creamy chicken dinner, one pan chicken