Description
Juicy seared chicken thighs simmered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. This comforting one-pan dinner is easy to prepare, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with a luscious mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables
- 250 g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season both sides generously with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they are nicely browned and their liquid evaporates.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their fragrance.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits for extra flavor.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Enjoy your creamy mushroom chicken thighs with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning mushrooms to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For added nutrition and flavor, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
