Description
A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs paired with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and impressively delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. When oil shimmers, place chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear without moving for 7-9 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add a splash of broth if pan looks dry.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme. Scrape browned bits from pan bottom and let broth simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and warm through for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy skin. Use medium-high heat for best sear. Rest chicken after cooking to lock in juices. For extra crispiness, broil chicken for 1-2 minutes after searing. Sauce can be lightened by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream. Dairy-free version possible using coconut cream and olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken thighs, crispy chicken, mushroom sauce, creamy sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, pan-seared chicken