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Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.6 from 103 reviews

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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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