Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Juicy Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken thighs swimming in a creamy mushroom garlic sauce promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Earthy mushrooms and rich garlic create a luxurious backdrop for tender, juicy meat.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this impressive or taste so incredible.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that comes together faster than you might expect.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality recipe with just a few basic ingredients and minimal technique.

Professional chefs would approve of the balanced flavors and effortless preparation.

A single skillet transforms ordinary chicken into something truly memorable.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts cook faster and might need less time in the skillet.

  • Do I need to remove chicken skin before cooking?

No, keep the skin on for extra flavor and crispy texture. The skin helps seal in moisture and adds a delicious golden-brown color to the dish.

  • What if I don't have white wine?

You can substitute with chicken broth or skip the deglazing step entirely. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy without the wine.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Chicken Thighs In Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

  • Craft Homemade Flavor: Create a personalized sweet chili sauce that surpasses store-bought versions with fresh ingredients and custom spice levels.
  • Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare this sauce in minimal steps, transforming simple pantry staples into a delicious condiment without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Enhance multiple dishes like spring rolls, grilled meats, dumplings, and sandwiches with this adaptable sauce that adds instant zest and excitement.
  • Budget-Friendly Gourmet Touch: Save money by making your own sauce using affordable ingredients, controlling sugar and spice while creating restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients For Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that becomes crispy when seared and juicy when cooked in the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, luxurious foundation for the creamy mushroom garlic sauce.
  • White Wine or Marsala Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, releasing delicious browned bits.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty ingredient that adds texture and umami to the sauce.
  • Garlic, Shallot: Provides aromatic depth and a pungent flavor to the dish.
  • Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and a subtle herbal note.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp undertone to the creamy sauce.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
For the Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.

How To Cook Chicken Thighs With Mushroom Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across the meat’s surface.

Step 2: Create Golden Crispy Exterior

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to sear for 5-7 minutes until skin transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Flip chicken and cook additional 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Develop Mushroom Foundation

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until:
  • Moisture completely releases
  • Edges start browning
  • Mushrooms develop rich caramelized edges

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Introduce aromatic ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped shallots

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrance becomes intensely inviting.

Step 5: Build Sauce Complexity

Optional wine deglazing step:

Pour white wine or Marsala, scraping browned bits from skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by half, concentrating flavor depth.

Step 6: Transform Into Creamy Masterpiece

Incorporate sauce components:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh thyme
  • Dijon mustard

Bring mixture to gentle simmer, stirring continuously until sauce thickens. Blend in Parmesan cheese until smoothly melted.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Gently return seared chicken thighs to skillet, positioning skin-side up.

Spoon sauce generously over meat. Simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across dish.

Serve immediately with abundant sauce cascading over chicken thighs.

Tips For Perfect Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden skin that seals in moisture and develops rich flavor.
  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and deeper taste compared to boneless varieties.
  • Slice mushrooms uniformly to promote even cooking and create a consistent texture throughout the creamy sauce.
  • Control heat carefully when searing chicken to prevent burning while achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in tenderness.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter versions, maintaining the sauce's creamy consistency for different dietary needs.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Mushroom Chicken

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Variation: Replace thyme with rosemary and add fresh sage leaves for an earthy, aromatic profile that enhances the mushroom sauce's depth.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Twist: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives into the sauce, creating a tangy and rich Mediterranean-inspired version with bright flavor notes.
  • Spicy Southwestern Adaptation: Mix in diced green chiles, smoked paprika, and a dash of cumin to transform the creamy sauce into a zesty, southwest-style accompaniment with subtle heat.
  • Coconut Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and add a sprinkle of ginger for a lighter, slightly exotic sauce that maintains the recipe's creamy texture.

Serving Ideas For Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Comfort Plate Perfection: Serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious mushroom sauce. The velvety potatoes complement the crispy chicken skin and create a hearty, satisfying meal.
  • Rustic Dinner Party Style: Present the skillet directly at the table for a dramatic, family-style serving. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and add a side of roasted green beans or asparagus for a complete restaurant-quality experience.
  • Lighter Low-Carb Option: Plate the chicken thighs over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach. This version keeps the dish protein-packed and reduces carbohydrates while maintaining all the rich, creamy flavor of the original recipe.

How To Store Mushroom Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Store leftover chicken thighs and sauce in a sealed glass or plastic container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and maintain sauce consistency.
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Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

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

Description

Succulent chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom garlic sauce showcase culinary comfort from France. Rich, velvety flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly dry chicken thighs using paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing chicken thighs skin-side down to create a golden, crispy exterior. Sear for 5-7 minutes until skin turns deep golden brown.
  3. Flip chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its crispy texture.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce sliced mushrooms. Allow mushrooms to release moisture and develop a rich, caramelized brown color for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Incorporate minced garlic and shallots, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the pan with white wine or Marsala, scraping accumulated browned bits from the skillet bottom. Reduce liquid by half over 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Fold in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and integrated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to personal taste.
  9. Carefully return seared chicken thighs to the skillet, positioning skin-side up. Ladle sauce generously over the meat.
  10. Simmer chicken in sauce for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C for safe consumption.
  11. Remove skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with sauce generously coating the chicken thighs.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken thighs are completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect searing, creating a delicious caramelized exterior on the chicken.
  • Slice mushrooms uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding more broth for a lighter version that still coats the chicken beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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