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Benjamin

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Thighs – The Perfect Weeknight Meal!

These Creamy Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs simmered in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. Packed with flavors of fresh herbs, butter, and a touch of lemon, this dish is both indulgent and easy to prepare. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken:
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Sear the Chicken:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6–7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
  3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6–7 minutes.
  4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
  2. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
Finish Cooking:
  1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
  2. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Serve & Garnish:
  1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

  • Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy skin, sear the chicken in a cast-iron skillet.
  • Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little broth or cream if needed.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.

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