Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The crispy chicken thighs are cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. This recipe is straightforward and delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure the skin gets crispy when cooked. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the skillet hot before adding the chicken to sear it properly.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. The cream adds richness while the Parmesan adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Season Sauce: Add the dried thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is crucial for developing the flavors.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The slow simmering will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over them. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The sauce is delicious, so you might want some crusty bread to soak it up.
Cooking Notes
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken thighs under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum if you want to thicken the sauce further without flour.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Ensure all ingredients, particularly the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Version:
- Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein and use coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative for the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
- Dry Skin: Patting the chicken thighs dry helps achieve a crispy skin. Moisture on the skin will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken thighs are similar in size for even cooking. This helps all the thighs cook at the same rate.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce consistency by simmering longer if it’s too thin, or adding a bit more cream if it’s too thick. Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. The creamy garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken, making it a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy this delicious recipe and savor the comforting flavors it brings to your table!
Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs!
