There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce smothered over tender, juicy chicken thighs. This dish is the perfect balance of rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Picture this: golden, pan-seared chicken thighs with a crispy exterior, nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce filled with earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a hint of herbs. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup—always a win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash and all the flavors come together beautifully in one skillet.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce is rich, garlicky, and packed with deep mushroom flavor.
- Easy Yet Impressive: Perfect for a simple family dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a low-carb side like cauliflower mash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra depth of flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet—that’s okay! Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to brown. This step enhances their deep, umami flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle in the thyme and oregano, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s where all the flavor is! Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Step 4: Simmer & Serve
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!
Helpful Tips
- Crispy Skin Tip: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for the best golden crust.
- Mushroom Choices: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms work best, but you can also use white button mushrooms.
- Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Chicken Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Thicker Sauce: If you want an extra thick and creamy sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it further.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use evaporated milk. The sauce will still be creamy but with fewer calories.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it a Full Meal: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad balances out the richness.
- Herb Variations: Swap dried thyme and oregano for fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh rosemary or basil also make great additions.
- Best Mushrooms to Use: Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms work well. If you love a deeper, earthier flavor, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to about 10 minutes.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
What sides go well with this dish?
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you love this creamy garlic mushroom chicken, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With crispy, golden-brown chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this dish will always be a hit.
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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce smothered over tender, juicy chicken thighs. This dish is the perfect balance of rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Picture this: golden, pan-seared chicken thighs with a crispy exterior, nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce filled with earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a hint of herbs. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup—always a win!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra depth of flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet—that’s okay! Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to brown. This step enhances their deep, umami flavor.
Sprinkle in the thyme and oregano, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s where all the flavor is! Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
- Chicken Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Thicker Sauce: If you want an extra thick and creamy sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it further.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use evaporated milk. The sauce will still be creamy but with fewer calories.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it a Full Meal: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad balances out the richness.
- Herb Variations: Swap dried thyme and oregano for fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh rosemary or basil also make great additions.
- Best Mushrooms to Use: Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms work well. If you love a deeper, earthier flavor, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.