Imagine a dish so decadent and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece. Our Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs are not just a meal; they're a sensory experience that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a luxuriously smooth garlic cream sauce that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side until they are nearly cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate maximum flavor.
- Simmer the chicken in the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to finish cooking completely.
- Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken thighs before serving hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the most even heat distribution and best browning.
- Don't rush the skin-crisping process - let the chicken cook undisturbed to develop a beautiful golden color.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
