Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (Restaurant-Style, 30 Minutes)

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If you love creamy, flavorful chicken dishes, then Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs is for you! This recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavors, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Creamy garlic chicken thighs served in a restaurant-style dish

Why Make This Recipe

Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal in a short amount of time. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan gives the chicken a rich, comforting flavor that’s sure to please your family and friends. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means easy cleanup too!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (About 2 lbs. Pat them very dry.)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp butter (Unsalted)
  • 6 cloves garlic (Minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (Low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs hot, drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave it for a quick option.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry; this helps it get crispy when seared.
  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in garlic and herbs before cooking.
  • If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

Variation

You can add vegetables to the dish. Spinach or mushrooms can be sautéed with the garlic for added texture and flavor. You can also substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to store them separately to keep the chicken crispy. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

3. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese if you want to make it dairy-free.

Enjoy making this creamy, flavorful dish that will surely impress anyone at your dinner table!

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

A quick and easy recipe for flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (About 2 lbs.) Pat them very dry.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt For seasoning.
  • ½ tsp black pepper For seasoning.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder For seasoning.
  • 2 tbsp butter (Unsalted)
  • 6 cloves garlic (Minced)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (Low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure to pat the chicken dry; this helps it get crispy when seared. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in garlic and herbs before cooking. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Keyword Chicken Thighs Recipe, Comfort Food, Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner, One Skillet Chicken