Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs is a rich and comforting dish featuring golden-brown, pan-seared chicken thighs simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s a flavorful, one-skillet meal that delivers satisfying warmth and elegance with every bite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and indulgent: The creamy garlic sauce is smooth, aromatic, and bursting with flavor.
Pan-seared perfection: Chicken thighs are crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.
One-pan convenience: Everything is prepared in a single skillet, making cleanup simple.
Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful—great for adults and children alike.
Restaurant-quality at home: Elegant enough for entertaining, but simple enough for a weeknight.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, skin-on preferred
Olive oil or butter
Garlic cloves, minced (or crushed)
Chicken broth or stock
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Italian seasoning or dried thyme
Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice

directions

Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté garlic: Reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—do not burn.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth to loosen any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Make the sauce: Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Simmer gently.
Return chicken to the pan: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a touch of lemon juice for balance.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Boneless option: Use boneless thighs or breasts for faster cooking. Adjust time accordingly.
Herb infusion: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for added depth.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat.
Mushroom addition: Sauté mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy twist.

storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well upon reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes. Chicken breasts work well—just adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Is it possible to bake this dish?

Yes. Sear chicken, then transfer to the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 15–20 minutes, spooning sauce over before serving.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes. Simmer uncovered until reduced or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Does the skin need to be crispy?

It’s optional but highly recommended for texture and flavor.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables are perfect complements.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though flavor will differ slightly.

Should I cover the pan while simmering?

Leave uncovered to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.

How can I reduce the richness?

Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the sauce to cut through the creaminess.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs is a rich, indulgent dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. With crisp chicken, a smooth garlic-infused cream sauce, and minimal effort required, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. Ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.