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Savory Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Creamy Garlic Sauce Guide

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A comforting and easy skillet chicken thighs recipe featuring a rich and silky creamy garlic sauce that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Wait until the butter melts and the oil is shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press lightly for even contact. Cook for 6–8 minutes without moving until the skin is deep golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate; do not clean the skillet.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet drippings and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
  7. Add heavy cream and stir. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  8. If using, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering until melted and integrated.
  9. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the searing step to ensure crispy skin. Keep sauce at a low simmer to prevent curdling. Add a splash more broth if sauce becomes too thick. Boneless thighs can be used but will require shorter cooking time and won’t have crispy skin. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, creamy garlic sauce, skillet chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, crispy chicken skin, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/savory-skillet-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-creamy-garlic-sauce-guide/