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
Units
Scale
- 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