What’s for dinner tonight? It’s the question that can sometimes feel a little stressful, right? Especially after a long day. We all want something delicious and satisfying. But we don’t always have the time or energy for a complicated meal. That’s where simple yet tasty dishes come to the rescue.
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite Easy Dinner Recipes. This creamy garlic chicken thigh recipe is a real treat. It comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup. And the flavor is just fantastic. It’s one of those meals that feels special but is secretly very simple to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this dish is all about convenience. Everything cooks in a single cast iron skillet. You get that amazing crispy skin on the chicken and then build a creamy sauce right in the same pan. The cleanup is so much easier, which is a huge win for any weeknight.
The flavor is also a big reason to love it. The chicken thighs are seasoned beautifully and get so juicy. The sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with garlic and thyme. It’s the kind of comforting meal that makes everyone happy at the dinner table. It really delivers on taste without needing a ton of work.
Another great thing is how straightforward the ingredients are. You probably have many of them in your kitchen already. No need to hunt for special items at the store. This is one of those fantastic Dinner Ideas Recipes you can pull together without a lot of planning. It’s a great option when you need a solid meal without the fuss.
This is truly one of the best Easy Weeknight Dinners. It feels a little fancy, but it’s ready in under an hour. You can serve it with so many different sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. It’s flexible and always a crowd pleaser. A reliable choice for your weekly meal rotation.
Finding great Easy Dinner Recipes that the whole family loves can be tricky. This one hits all the right notes. It is savory, comforting, and simple enough for even beginner cooks to feel confident making. So if you are looking for Quick Dinner Ideas, give this one a try.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, about 1 ½ pounds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare And Season The Chicken
First things first, let’s get the chicken ready. Take your chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This step is really important. A dry surface is what helps the skin get wonderfully golden and crispy when you cook it. Don’t skip this part.
Next, grab a small bowl. Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them all together. This simple spice blend is going to add so much flavor. This mixture makes it one of the most flavorful Easy Dinner Recipes you can find.
Now, rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to cover both sides, getting it into all the little spots. Be generous with it. This ensures every single bite is seasoned and delicious. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
Step 2: Sear The Chicken Thighs
It’s time to cook. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. You want the oil to shimmer a bit before you add the chicken. This tells you the pan is ready for searing. A hot pan is key for that crispy skin.
Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet, skin side down. You should hear a nice sizzle. Let them cook undisturbed for about 7 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for the skin to become super crispy and golden brown. Resist the urge to move them around too much.
Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over. Continue cooking for another 15 to 25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your thighs. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside for a moment. All those browned bits left in the pan are pure flavor. We are going to use them to build our incredible sauce. This is a common technique in many Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Step 3: Start The Creamy Sauce
Now for that amazing sauce. In the same skillet, add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced shallot and garlic. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. You just want to soften them and release their fragrance. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any of those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds so much depth to your sauce. This simple step is what makes many restaurant quality Dinner Ideas Recipes so good.
Step 4: Simmer The Sauce
With the pan deglazed, it’s time to add more flavor. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme sprigs, and the crushed red pepper flakes. The lemon juice brightens everything up, while the thyme adds a lovely earthy note. The red pepper flakes give just a tiny bit of warmth.
Reduce the heat to low. Now, slowly stir in the heavy cream. You want to do this gently to prevent it from separating. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally as it bubbles away. It will start to thicken up a bit, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
The aroma at this point is just wonderful. This part of making Easy Dinner Recipes is always my favorite. Watching a few simple ingredients come together into a rich and beautiful sauce is so satisfying. Your kitchen will smell like a fancy restaurant.
Step 5: Combine Chicken And Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to reintroduce the chicken. Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. You can nestle them right in there. This allows the chicken to warm through and soak up some of that creamy goodness.
Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken. This keeps the meat juicy and infuses it with even more flavor. The crispy skin on top should stay mostly out of the sauce so it remains crispy. It’s the best of both worlds. This is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
The final touch is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and a fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. It’s a simple garnish that really finishes the dish beautifully. This is a great tip for many Easy Dinner Recipes.
And that’s it. Your delicious one pan creamy garlic chicken is ready to serve. Bring the whole skillet right to the table for a rustic, family style meal. Serve it warm with plenty of that incredible sauce spooned over the top. Everyone will be asking for this recipe.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool down a bit first. Then, place everything in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it great for lunches later in the week.
This dish also freezes quite well. For longer storage, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer safe container or bag. It will keep for up to three months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon reheating, but it will still be tasty.
When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the chicken in an oven safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken moist.
The air fryer is another great choice for reheating. It does an excellent job of crisping the skin back up. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 4 minutes. Of course, the microwave works too if you’re in a hurry. Just know the skin won’t be as crispy. This is a handy tip for many Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Tips
For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, I highly recommend using bone in, skin on chicken thighs. The bone helps keep the meat tender during cooking, and the skin gets wonderfully crispy. It really makes a difference in the final result. It’s a key part of this Easy Dinner Recipes success.
Of course, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. Just keep in mind that they will cook much faster. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out. They are still a great option for Quick Dinner Ideas.
Don’t have heavy cream? No problem. Half and half is a good substitute and will still give you a creamy sauce. Some people have also had success using full fat coconut milk for a dairy free option, or even whole milk. I have not tried those myself, but feel free to experiment.
Feel free to add some vegetables to make it a true one pan meal. Spinach or kale can be wilted into the sauce at the end. Or you could add some mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes along with the shallots and garlic. It’s a very flexible recipe, which is ideal for Dinner Ideas Recipes.
Conclusion
There you have it. A truly delicious and simple chicken dinner that’s sure to become a new favorite. It’s proof that Easy Dinner Recipes don’t have to be boring. With crispy chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and impressive enough for guests.
The best part is how manageable it is, even on a busy night. Minimal prep and minimal cleanup make this a winner in my book. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it makes your weeknight meal planning a little bit easier and a lot more delicious.
This is just one of many Easy Weeknight Dinners that can save the day. Cooking at home should be enjoyable, and recipes like this one help make that happen. Enjoy every bite of this wonderful meal.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts. I suggest using thinly sliced breasts or pounding them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly. Since chicken breasts are leaner, they can dry out faster, so keep a close eye on the internal temperature.
What Should I Serve With This Creamy Garlic Chicken?
This dish is wonderful with anything that can soak up the delicious sauce. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. It’s also great with steamed rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus or broccoli.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten free. The ingredients like chicken, spices, cream, and broth do not typically contain gluten. However, it’s always a good idea to double check the label on your chicken broth to ensure it is certified gluten free, as some brands may contain additives.
How Do I Make The Sauce Thicker?
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to simply let it simmer a little longer on low heat. As the liquid reduces, the sauce will naturally thicken. If you’re in a hurry, you could make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
This creamy garlic chicken thigh recipe is a real treat. It comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and fantastic flavor. It’s a special yet simple meal, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take your chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them all together.
- Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to cover both sides, getting it into all the little spots.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet, skin side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 7 to 8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and continue cooking for another 15 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced shallot and garlic. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (deglazing).
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme sprigs, and the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, I highly recommend using bone in, skin on chicken thighs. The bone helps keep the meat tender during cooking, and the skin gets wonderfully crispy. It really makes a difference in the final result.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that’s what you prefer, but they will cook much faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
Don’t have heavy cream? Half and half is a good substitute. Some people have also had success using full fat coconut milk for a dairy free option, or even whole milk.
Feel free to add some vegetables to make it a true one pan meal. Spinach or kale can be wilted into the sauce at the end. Or you could add some mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes along with the shallots and garlic.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
