Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken thighs in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to melt the cheese into a smooth sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for a better sear. Do not crowd the pan. Use fresh Parmesan to avoid grainy sauce. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Can be served with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Does not freeze well due to dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one-pan dinner, creamy garlic chicken, easy weeknight meals, chicken thighs, 30 minute meals, family friendly dinner