Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (Restaurant-Style, 30 Minutes)
Cooking up a delicious meal at home is a joy, especially when it can be done in just 30 minutes. One recipe that often graces the tables of fine restaurants is creamy garlic chicken thighs. This delightful dish packs a punch of flavor with its rich, garlicky cream sauce and juicy chicken thighs. This article will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself, creamy garlic chicken thighs are a stellar choice. This dish combines succulent chicken thighs with a deliciously creamy garlic sauce that is rich and satisfying. The best part? It can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet elevated meal option. Not only is the flavor incredible, but the dish is also versatile enough to be paired with various sides, enhancing your dining experience. Plus, cooking something restaurant-quality at home saves you money and gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s just the way you like it!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Making creamy garlic chicken thighs is a straightforward process that will have you enjoying a rich, satisfying meal in no time. Here’s what you’ll need and the steps you should follow to create this delectable dish.
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Ingredients
- 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)
Directions
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Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. It’s essential to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a beautifully crispy skin. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
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Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
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Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat, then gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
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Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a delightful, home-cooked meal.
Pro Tips for Success with Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: This helps achieve a crispy skin when you sear the chicken. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to the cream mixture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal juiciness.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper to your liking throughout the cooking process to ensure the best flavor profile.
Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to elevate the dish and add layers of flavor.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy touch and add more texture to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the creamy sauce and add a refreshing twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
This creamy garlic chicken thighs dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for pouring over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds color and nutrition to the plate.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Storage
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, though you may want to add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce for moisture when reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|———–|——–|
| Calories | 470 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
FAQ About Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just as well, although you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich.
Is it possible to make this with chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts in place of thighs. Just remember that chicken breasts cook quicker, so adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine them shortly before serving. It’s best to serve the chicken fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than desired, simply whisk in a little chicken broth or water over low heat until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cooking creamy garlic chicken thighs at home is an enjoyable process that results in a rich and satisfying meal. With its flavorful sauce and juicy chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and allows for many variations based on your preferences. Whether you are hosting a special dinner or simply wanting to delight your family, this restaurant-style recipe brings all the right flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and delicious restaurant-style recipe for creamy garlic chicken thighs, combining succulent chicken with a rich garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 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 unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and melt. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. Use fresh garlic for better flavor and do not overcook the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
