Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
This recipe for Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers a rich and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Tender chicken paired with a flavorful garlic cream sauce makes for a delightful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly and monitor closely.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute for a similar richness, though the flavor will vary slightly.
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe features juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. The chicken is first seared to develop a golden crust, then simmered gently in a buttery garlic cream sauce, resulting in a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken, skin side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the chicken simmer in the creamy garlic sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, cooking time may be reduced by a few minutes.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won’t yield the same depth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Keywords: chicken thighs, creamy garlic sauce, seared chicken, comfort food, easy dinner
