Golden, pan-seared chicken thighs, cloaked in a velvety garlic mushroom sauce—this dish delivers rich, rustic comfort with every bite. The crispy chicken skin contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside, while the creamy mushroom garlic sauce adds an indulgent layer of flavor that will have you reaching for a second helping. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up effortlessly at home.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pan wonder is a guaranteed winner. The sauce, laced with sautéed garlic and buttery mushrooms, makes the perfect companion for mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

Ingredients for Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step ensures a crispier skin. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon a bit of the sauce over the tops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the dish simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Uncover the skillet and let the sauce reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes if desired. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Simple Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerator: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating is also fine—cover and heat in 30-second intervals.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 280mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless thighs cook a little faster. Just reduce the simmering time by about 5 minutes.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely. Half-and-half or coconut cream can work, but the sauce may be slightly thinner and less rich.

3. What’s the best way to get crispy skin?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry and sear it skin-side down in a hot pan without disturbing it for several minutes.

4. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Definitely. Add a splash (about ¼ cup) of dry white wine after cooking the garlic for extra depth.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and cream are gluten-free. Always double-check product labels.

6. What can I serve with this?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread are excellent choices. Steamed green beans or a side salad balance it out nicely.

7. Can I make it in advance?

You can! Prepare the dish fully, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

8. How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer uncovered to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a thicker consistency.