Golden brown chicken thighs nestled in a velvety mushroom and garlic cream sauce—this dish is the epitome of comfort and elegance combined. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests, this meal strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and rich, savory flavors. The chicken is seared to crispy perfection, locking in its natural juices, while the creamy mushroom garlic sauce adds depth and indulgence to every bite.

What truly sets this dish apart is the earthiness of the mushrooms and the aromatic warmth of garlic infused into a luxurious cream base. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread for soaking up the luscious sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this is a foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients for Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispier skin during searing. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes. The goal is to render out some of the fat and get a crisp, browned exterior. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter and add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are tender and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (this adds flavor). Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once done, check the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce tasting fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 450–550 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Cholesterol: 130mg

Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on the number of chicken thighs and specific brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.

What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are ideal, but white button mushrooms also work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, though chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out. Adjust the cooking time and be cautious not to overcook them.

What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread are great choices to soak up the sauce.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Absolutely. Replace ¼ cup of the broth with dry white wine for added depth and aroma.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy chicken thighs simmered in a rich and velvety mushroom garlic cream sauce. This dish is cozy, flavorful, and ideal for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners alike.

Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same pan, and add mushrooms. Sauté for 5–6 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Simmer on low, partially covered, for 10–15 minutes until cooked through (165°F/74°C).
Adjust sauce thickness if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course