– **Title**: Creamy Chicken Thighs: A Rich and Comforting Meal
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, making sure they are coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the creamy chicken thighs with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or rice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you could use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, but be cautious as they cook faster and may require reduced cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream, however, this will alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well as a substitute.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika plus a tiny pinch of cayenne will add some heat. Consider omitting the garlic powder if fresh garlic is your preference.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Getting that lovely golden brown skin requires a few steps. Start by patting your chicken thighs dry. This removes moisture and helps them crisp up. The heat should be medium-high when you sear them, allowing for a good golden crust.
- Heat your skillet and add olive oil, ensuring it’s hot before adding the chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give each thigh enough space.
- Cook skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes to crisp the other side too.
Following these steps makes all the difference in achieving that perfect crispy finish!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, which makes a total time of around 40 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these creamy chicken thighs in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken. While that’s heating up, pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step is important for getting that crispy skin! Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for tasty flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes until that skin is beautifully golden brown. Once done, flip the chicken thighs and give them another 5 minutes in the skillet. After searing, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Now, it’s time to whip up the creamy sauce! Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be warm and a little bit thickened.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Return those beautiful chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top! Then, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s cooked through when it’s juicy and tender!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take the skillet out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This rest time helps keep all those tasty juices inside. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color! Serve your creamy chicken thighs with the sauce drizzled over, and pair it with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work just fine! They will cook a bit faster, so check for doneness at around 20-25 minutes in the oven. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickness. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream is a great substitute that will add a hint of sweetness to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm them gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can sauté some veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach in the skillet after searing the chicken. This adds flavor and nutrients, and can be cooked alongside the sauce before returning the chicken to the skillet.
