Description
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cream Sauce brings succulent poultry to life with rich, velvety French-inspired flavors. Crispy-skinned chicken nestles into a luxurious herb-infused sauce that promises comfort and elegance for dinner guests and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 5 to 6 boneless chicken thighs
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic spice blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs, ensuring a crisp sear.
- Generously coat both sides of the chicken with the prepared spice mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere.
- Warm olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with intense heat.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a rich golden crust without moving for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, reducing heat to medium, and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a holding plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and a splash of bright lemon juice, creating a luxurious sauce base.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Reintroduce chicken thighs to the skillet, letting them bathe in the creamy sauce for a few minutes.
- Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, or crusty toasted bread.
Notes
- Always pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that develops a beautiful sear without steaming.
- Customize spice blend by adjusting seasoning ratios or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper flavor complexity.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat retention and incredible caramelization of chicken skin and sauce development.
- Monitor chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, ju
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 56
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg