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, or mashed potatoes. Here’s how to make Chicken thighs with creamy garlic mushroom sauce:
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thigh
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.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs is served with a variety of delicious side dishes and drinks.
- Recommended Side Dishes
- Creamy mashed potatoes create a rich base for the dish.
- Different types of rice absorb the creamy sauce well.
- Pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, pairs well with the sauce.
- Zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative to pasta.
- A fresh salad balances the dish’s richness.
- Sautéed green beans with garlic add crunch and contrast.
- Parmesan risotto enhances the chicken’s creamy texture.
- Sautéed spinach with lemon adds freshness.
- Garlic butter noodles improve the dish’s overall flavor
- Beverages
- White Russian matches the dish’s texture.
- Classic Martini balances the sauce’s richness.
- French 75 balances garlicky flavors.
- Bloody Mary’s Spicy flavors enhance the mushrooms.
- Manhattan deepen the umami.
- White wine complements the mushrooms and chicken.
- Moscow Mule cuts through the creaminess.
- Negroni’s bitter-sweet notes contrast with savory flavors.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon cuts through the creaminess.
- Apple Cider contrasts with garlicky flavors.
- Light herbal tea refreshes the palate.
- Ginger Beer enhances garlic notes.
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.