The Best Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Tender chicken thighs swimming in a luscious creamy mushroom garlic sauce have been my go-to comfort meal for years.

This irresistible dish combines rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate with every bite.

Juicy chicken mingles perfectly with earthy mushrooms and a velvety sauce that promises pure culinary bliss.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The garlic adds a robust depth that elevates this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients for Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy cuts that provide the main protein for this rich and comforting dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help create a golden-brown sear on the chicken and add rich, smooth flavor to the sauce.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty vegetables that add texture and rich umami taste to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the base of the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, smooth, and thick consistency to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Directions for Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over each chicken thigh, ensuring even coverage on both sides for maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

Melt olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Cook each side until crispy and caramelized, then transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

In the same skillet with remaining pan drippings, add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma.

Introduce sliced mushrooms and cook until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Gently stir and simmer the liquid, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency.

Continue stirring to prevent burning.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce.

Let the chicken simmer until fully cooked through and heated evenly.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.

Transfer chicken and sauce to serving plates, making sure each portion gets an equal amount of the decadent sauce.

Tips for Rich, Savory Mushroom Garlic Chicken Sauce

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.
• Slowly add cream and stir consistently to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce without curdling or breaking.
• Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini and shiitake for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• If sauce becomes too thick, gradually thin with extra chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and naturally thicken.
• Swap chicken thighs with turkey or boneless chicken breasts for a lighter protein option while maintaining the same creamy sauce technique.

Ways to Vary Your Mushroom Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Vegetarian Portobello Option: Replace chicken thighs with thick-cut portobello mushroom steaks, maintaining identical cooking method and sauce preparation for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap chicken broth with bone broth, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and add extra butter for increased fat content while keeping the core recipe structure.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, using cornstarch as a thickening agent, and replace butter with olive oil for allergen-friendly preparation.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the seasoning, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Plating Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs for Dinner

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve the chicken thighs with creamy mushroom sauce over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Arrange the golden chicken thighs on a large white platter, drizzle the rich mushroom sauce generously, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce and add vibrant color to the plate.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken and sauce into a delightful next-day lunch by shredding meat and mixing with the sauce over pasta or tucking into a warm sandwich.

Storage Solutions for Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out since breasts cook faster than thighs.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or dairy-free alternative cream to create a similar creamy texture while keeping the dish lactose-free.

• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake and oyster mushrooms will provide excellent flavor and texture for the sauce.

• How can I make the sauce more flavorful?

Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity, creating a more sophisticated taste profile.

Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Bliss

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home chefs wanting delicious results without complex techniques.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare a hearty, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty but don't have hours to cook.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken appeal to both adults and kids, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the table with its rich, comforting taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for the entire cooking process, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken thighs nestled in creamy mushroom garlic sauce invite culinary adventure with rich, comforting flavors. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and simple techniques deliver a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2–3 pounds or 907–1361 grams)

Dairy and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning on all surfaces.
2. Warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to sizzle.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust develops, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a clean plate, keeping warm.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
6. Introduce sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they release moisture and become tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce that gradually thickens over 2-3 minutes.
8. Gently return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and simmering for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for different protein preferences, ensuring similar cooking times and seasoning.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, perfect for those watching sodium intake.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the sauce’s rich texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg