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This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with a hint of lemon. Whether you’re looking for high-protein recipes for dinner, a healthy recipe for lunch, or an easy dinner recipe, this dish brings fine dining flavors to your table in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Flavorful
The creamy garlic sauce is ultra-smooth and packed with delicious savory flavors.
Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
High-Protein & Satisfying
Juicy chicken thighs pack in protein while staying incredibly tender.
One-Pan Meal
Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
Customizable
Easily adjust the seasonings or add veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for a tender, juicy bite.
Seasonings
A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper infuses the chicken with bold flavor.
Olive Oil & Butter
A mix of olive oil and butter helps achieve a golden, crispy sear while adding richness to the sauce.
Onion & Garlic
Finely minced onions and garlic create the base for the flavorful cream sauce.
Heavy Cream
Gives the sauce its signature rich and creamy texture.
Chicken Broth
Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it light and silky.
Fresh Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice brightens up the creamy sauce with a hint of tanginess.
Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish.
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the minced onions and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring until smooth.
Simmer & Combine
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count]
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce
With a Side of Veggies
Serve with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.
Over Rice or Pasta
Pair it with fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Crusty Bread
A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich garlic sauce.
Low-Carb Option
Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Additional Tips
Use Bone-In Chicken
For extra flavor, swap boneless thighs for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and adjust the cooking time.
Make it Spicier
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
Gluten-Free Friendly
This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to check the labels on your broth and seasonings.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Chicken breasts work well but may need a shorter cooking time to prevent dryness.
Q2: How do I make this dairy-free?
A2: Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
Q3: Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
A3: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.
Q4: How do I thicken the sauce?
A4: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in while simmering.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine before serving.
Q6: What’s the best pan for cooking this recipe?
A6: A cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan works best for even searing and flavor.
Q7: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
A7: Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then add the sauce.
Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q9: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A9: Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Q10: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A10: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce is the perfect quick, creamy, and flavorful meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a delicious and effortless way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. Try it tonight and savor every bite!
Print
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce is a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Made in just one pan, this meal is perfect for a comforting homemade recipe on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 5–6 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Season both sides of the chicken evenly with the spice mixture.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken, reduce heat, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan and let them simmer for a few minutes in the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed broccoli, or toasted bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg