Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce combines tender, golden-seared chicken thighs with a rich, velvety mushroom garlic cream sauce infused with herbs and parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or entertaining guests, this comforting yet elegant skillet dinner will impress every time.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

• One-pan recipe: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Rich, savory sauce without complicated techniques.
• Perfect texture: Crispy, juicy chicken paired with silky sauce.
• Customizable: Swap herbs, mushrooms, or cream options easily.
• Comfort food favorite: A cozy, satisfying meal for any season.

Ingredients

For The Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6–8 fillets)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced (250 g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ – 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ – 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 ½ cups thickened cream (heavy cream, evaporated milk, or half and half)
• ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

Season the Chicken

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.

Sear the Chicken

4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer.
6. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Cook the Mushrooms

8. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
9. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until browned and tender.
10. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and allow even browning.

Add Garlic and Herbs

11. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
12. Sprinkle in the remaining dried thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine.

Make the Cream Sauce

13. Pour in the thickened cream. Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
14. Add shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
15. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir frequently.

Finish the Dish

16. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
17. Spoon sauce over the top of each piece.
18. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes, just until everything is hot and well combined.

Serve

19. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
20. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Deglaze the pan after searing with a splash of white wine or broth for extra flavor.
• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts (adjust cook time).
• Use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for deeper umami.
• Lighten up by using evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, fettuccine, or herbed rice.
• Pair with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh salad.
• Add a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for an elegant touch.

Storage / Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.

What cream is best for this?
Use heavy cream for the richest flavor, or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Can I add spinach or other veggies?
Yes! Stir in baby spinach or cooked peas during the last few minutes of simmering.

How do I keep garlic from burning?
Always add it after mushrooms are cooked and sauté for just 30–60 seconds.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan alternative. Flavor will vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce is a no-fail, flavor-packed recipe that brings comfort and elegance together in one skillet. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a decadent parmesan cream sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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