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Dinner / Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

June 15, 2025 by Camila

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe features juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The combination of creamy elements and aromatic garlic makes this dish stand out, ensuring it will be a hit at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor: The blend of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory sauce that elevates the chicken.
  • Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that suits any palate.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish impresses every time.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: This creamy recipe offers the comfort food experience everyone craves.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

  • Skillet: A large skillet is crucial for searing the chicken evenly and creating the perfect sauce.
  • Spatula: A spatula helps turn the chicken without breaking it apart while cooking.
  • Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy and safe chopping of garlic and herbs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup butter, unsalted

For the Sauce

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and thyme to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Melt half of the butter (1/4 cup) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering:
1. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet.
2. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are nicely browned.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the remaining butter (1/4 cup) to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium:
1. Add minced garlic.
2. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream:
1. Bring to a simmer.
2. Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley:
1. Return chicken thighs to the skillet.
2. Ensure they are coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and sauce has thickened as desired.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance the dish’s rich flavors and make for a complete meal.

With Pasta

  • Fettuccine: Toss cooked fettuccine in the creamy sauce for a comforting meal.
  • Penne: The hollow shape of penne captures the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.

Over Rice

  • White Rice: Simple steamed rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce well.
  • Brown Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber for a heartier option.

With Mashed Potatoes

  • Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Enhance the garlic flavor by mixing in roasted garlic for a double dose of yum.

On a Salad

  • Caesar Salad: The creamy chicken pairs well with crisp romaine and Caesar dressing for a refreshing option.
  • Mixed Greens: Top mixed greens with sliced chicken thighs and drizzle with vinaigrette for a lighter meal.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

To ensure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs turn out restaurant-quality every time, follow these handy tips.

  • Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced options, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
  • Pat chicken dry: Drying the chicken thighs helps achieve a nice sear, adding depth to the flavor and texture.
  • Monitor heat levels: Keep an eye on your skillet’s heat. Too high can burn the garlic, while too low may not sear the chicken properly.
  • Adjust cream thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of broth or more cream as needed.
  • Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the dish further, adding unique flavors that complement the sauce.
  • Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Pair your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

  1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy bread slathered in garlic butter is perfect for mopping up excess sauce.
  2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
  3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings sweetness and texture to your plate.
  4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs is an excellent base that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
  5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
  6. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve your chicken over zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and seasoning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs even better. Here are some common pitfalls:

  • Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Ensure you use a meat thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Not seasoning enough: Proper seasoning is key for flavor. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and thyme before cooking.
  • Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, which turns it bitter. Always sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely for a fragrant aroma.
  • Skipping the resting period: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Rushing the sauce: A creamy sauce needs time to thicken properly. Be patient and let it simmer gently for a few minutes before adding the chicken back in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs:

What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?

You can enjoy this dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

How can I customize my Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust the herbs based on your preference.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may cook faster than thighs, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Are there any substitutions for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version of the sauce while keeping it creamy.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is an indulgent yet simple dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Its rich flavors are versatile enough to pair with various sides, making it easy to customize according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or add-ins!

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a delectable dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ensuring your family and guests will be impressed.

  • Author: Camila
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter and sear the chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet.
  3. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley, then return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce (approx. 200g)
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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