Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful and simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken soaked in a rich, creamy sauce, this meal is sure to please the whole family. The flavors balance beautifully, making it feel like a special occasion without extra fuss.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner cooks. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, which makes it great for family dinners or last-minute guests. The ingredients are common pantry staples, so you won’t have to run out to the grocery store. The creamy garlic sauce elevates the dish, turning plain chicken thighs into something special. Plus, everyone loves a good, hearty meal!
How to Make It
To make this creamy chicken dish, we start by searing the chicken thighs until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, we create a rich sauce with garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
What You Need
- 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)
Step-by-Step
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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.
How to Serve It
These creamy garlic chicken thighs are delicious served over fluffy rice or with creamy mashed potatoes. For a fresh touch, pair it with steamed green beans or a crisp salad. This dish is great for family dinners, date nights, or even when entertaining friends.
How to Store It
To keep leftovers fresh, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry; this helps achieve a nice crispy skin.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth to loosen it.
- Use fresh garlic for more flavor.
- If you don’t have Parmesan, try using another cheese like Asiago.
- Consider using boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker cooking time.
Variations & Swaps
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a different layer of flavor.
- If you want extra vegetables, toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes while simmering the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately. When ready to serve, just reheat everything gently on the stove.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
How do I reheat the chicken?
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream or broth if the sauce is too thick.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks, but cooking times may vary. Adjust your cooking times based on the cut you choose.
What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs nicely with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad or steamed veggies makes a great side, too!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 thighs 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (About 2 lbs.) Pat them very dry.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt For seasoning
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper For seasoning
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp garlic powder For seasoning
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp butter (Unsalted)
- 6 cloves 6 cloves garlic (Minced) Fresh garlic preferred
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chicken broth (Low sodium)
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (Freshly grated) Can substitute with another cheese
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish) 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 and 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.
