These creamy chicken thighs are super easy to whip up and turn out tender and flavorful! The sauce is like a warm hug, thanks to rich cream and tasty spices.
Honestly, I love how quickly this dish comes together; it’s perfect for busy nights! Serve it over rice or with bread to soak up that delicious sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs makes for a juicier and more flavorful dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless skinless thighs or even chicken breasts could work, but expect a different texture.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce super creamy. If you’re watching calories, you can swap it for half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken. Alternatively, coconut milk offers a dairy-free option that still has a creamy texture.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use yellow mustard in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder. Some people enjoy adding a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce and enhances the flavor. For a nut-free substitute, try nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan cheese.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sear on Chicken Thighs?
Searing chicken thighs properly is key for flavor. It creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Place the thighs skin-side down; don’t overcrowd the pan so they brown well.
- Let them cook without moving them for 5-7 minutes to form a golden crust before flipping.
- Sear the other side for about 5 minutes. This step builds delicious flavor!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken thighs recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your delicious chicken once it’s prepared!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. This will give the chicken a wonderful flavor as it cooks.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Sear them until they’re golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the chicken is seared, carefully take it out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir well, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet because this adds flavor!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. It should become silky and creamy—so good!
6. Combine and Bake:
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet and make sure to spoon some of that creamy sauce over each piece. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Your chicken is done when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Enjoy your rich and flavorful creamy chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or use a mixture of milk and butter (1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of melted butter) to mimic the creaminess. Just be aware that using these alternatives may slightly alter the texture of the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste, depending on your spice preference. You can also serve it with a spicy sauce on the side for an extra heat boost!
