Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful, tender, and juicy, making them the perfect choice for a hearty and comforting meal. Paired with a rich, creamy mushroom garlic sauce, they transform into a gourmet dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe is a satisfying blend of succulent chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even when you’re entertaining guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you plan to finish cooking the chicken in the oven after searing, this step is crucial to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy during cooking. Season the thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs

1. Sear the Thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving the chicken too much during this process to allow the skin to brown properly.
2. Flip and Sear the Other Side: Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. The goal here is not to cook the chicken through but to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Remove and Set Aside: After searing, transfer the chicken thighs to a plate or baking sheet. If you plan to finish cooking them in the oven, place them in the preheated oven while you prepare the sauce. Otherwise, you can add them back to the sauce to finish cooking later.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden and have released their moisture.
2. Add the Garlic and Onion: Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onion softens. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this is where much of the flavor is concentrated. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add the Heavy Cream: Once the broth has reduced, pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, ensuring the cream is evenly mixed with the broth and other ingredients.
2. Stir in the Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk it into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce as it melts.
3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken further and for the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: If the chicken was in the oven, remove it and place it back in the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the creamy mushroom garlic sauce over the chicken thighs to ensure they are well-coated.
2. Simmer Until Fully Cooked: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken thighs simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are fully cooked.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Make sure the chicken thighs are dry before searing to get a crispier skin. Moisture can cause the skin to steam instead of sear.
• Don’t Rush the Searing Process: Take your time searing the chicken. A good, crispy skin adds texture and flavor, so don’t flip the chicken too early.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
• Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme gives the sauce a more vibrant flavor. If using dried thyme, remember that it’s more concentrated, so use about half the amount.

Variations

1. Keto-Friendly Chicken Thighs

To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace the chicken broth with bone broth for added nutrients, and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.

2. Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs

For an extra layer of flavor, you can season the chicken thighs with a mixture of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano before searing them. This adds an aromatic element to the dish.

3. Bacon and Mushroom Cream Sauce

For even more indulgence, add crispy bacon pieces to the mushroom cream sauce. Cook the bacon separately, then stir it into the sauce before serving.

4. Boneless Chicken Thighs

If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, you can easily substitute them for bone-in. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.

5. Vegan Variation

For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms and use a plant-based cream like coconut cream or cashew cream. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful without any dairy or meat.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion to the rich sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Steamed Asparagus: For a lighter option, serve the chicken thighs with steamed or roasted asparagus. The fresh flavor of the asparagus pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is another great option for soaking up the mushroom garlic sauce.

Wine Pairings:

• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate flavor of the chicken.
• Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer a lighter, crisper wine, Sauvignon Blanc offers a bright contrast to the richness of the dish.

Salad Pairing:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing counterbalance.

Yield: 4

Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

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Chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful, tender, and juicy, making them the perfect choice for a hearty and comforting meal. Paired with a rich, creamy mushroom garlic sauce, they transform into a gourmet dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe is a satisfying blend of succulent chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or even when you're entertaining guests.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or skinless, if preferred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are browned and softened.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken:

• Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Serve:

• Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken thighs with the creamy mushroom garlic sauce spooned over the top.
• Pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

• Mushroom Options: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms for varied flavor and texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in the sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.