Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh is a dish I love for its rich flavors. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy mushroom sauce. The garlic adds a savory depth to every bite. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. You can make it in just one pan for easy cleanup.
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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh is known for its rich, comforting flavors and relatively simple preparation. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luxurious, velvety garlic mushroom sauce.
The dish has deep, savory flavors, with the earthiness of mushrooms. It’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. The combination of protein-packed chicken thighs and the creamy, umami-filled sauce makes it a hearty and fulfilling dish.
You can serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, zucchini noodles, Parmesan risotto, or garlic butter noodles. Lighter options like a fresh salad or sautéed spinach with lemon add a refreshing contrast.
These creamy chicken thighs go well with the classic martini, French 75, Manhattan, White Russian, or Bloody Mary. Moscow Mule or sparkling water with lemon cut through the creaminess of the dish. Ginger beer, herbal tea, or apple cider is also a good pair.
Here’s how to make Chicken thighs with creamy garlic mushroom sauce:
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless for a quicker cook time)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover and let it simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine when sautéing mushrooms for a richer taste.
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Variations
Here are some delicious variations for your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh recipe:
- Spicy Kick
- Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp chili powder to the seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Stir in 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce into the creamy sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon Herb Infusion
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato
- Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mushrooms and garlic.
- Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, salty finish.
- Bacon & Spinach Addition
- Cook 2-3 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet before searing the chicken. Use the bacon fat for extra flavor.
- Stir in 1-2 cups fresh spinach with the mushrooms and let it wilt into the sauce.
- Coconut Curry
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add 1-2 tsp curry powder or garam masala to the sauce for a fragrant, Indian-inspired dish.
- Alcoholic Variation
- Replace half of the chicken broth with ½ cup dry white wine for a sophisticated flavor.
- Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp tarragon to the sauce for a French-inspired twist.
- Dairy-Free Version
- Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Italian-Inspired Version
- Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil to the sauce.
- Top with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Smoky Chipotle Addition
- Add 1-2 tsp smoked paprika or 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Stir in 1 tsp honey or maple syrup to balance the heat.