Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken thighs swimming in a creamy mushroom garlic sauce promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Tender meat pairs perfectly with earthy mushrooms and robust garlic notes.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Mediterranean influences shine through the luxurious sauce, making dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible creation.

Let’s transform an everyday protein into something truly spectacular that everyone around the table will love.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly. Adjust cooking time and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.

  • What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake and oyster mushrooms are excellent choices. They each add unique flavors and textures to the dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not automatically gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

  • How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving for an extra kick.

Mushroom Garlic Chicken Breakdown

Mushroom Garlic Chicken Breakdown
  • Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet dining accessible for home cooks.
  • Single-skillet preparation means less washing up, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the post-cooking kitchen mess.
  • Versatile recipe works perfectly for weeknight family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, appealing to various taste preferences with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken.
  • Packed with protein from chicken and flavor from mushrooms, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet offers balanced nutritional value.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful cut of meat that provides the base for this delicious dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and freshness to the recipe.
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle earthy flavor to the sauce.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms.
  • Mushrooms: Provide an earthy texture and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a rich and creamy consistency.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to the sauce.

How to Cook Mushroom Garlic Chicken

How to Cook Mushroom Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and shower them with salt and pepper.

Make sure both sides get some seasoning love so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and let them dance in the pan.

Cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.

Flip them over and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes.

Transfer the beautifully browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Mushroom Magic

In the same skillet, drop in some butter and watch it melt.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and let them get all caramelized and tender.

This should take around 5 minutes.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Stir in heavy cream, fresh thyme, and a dollop of Dijon mustard.

Let everything bubble and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes.

Check that the chicken reaches 165F (75C) for perfect doneness.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve this heavenly dish over pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Tips for Mushroom Garlic Chicken

Tips for Mushroom Garlic Chicken
  • Generously season chicken before searing to ensure every bite bursts with rich, savory taste.
  • Mix cremini, shiitake, or porcini mushrooms to create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
  • Simmer sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes if you prefer a thicker, more reduced cream sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
  • Use medium-low heat when simmering chicken in sauce to prevent cream from separating and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
  • Replace pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this delicious dish.

How to Store Mushroom Garlic Chicken

How to Store Mushroom Garlic Chicken
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains covered to prevent drying out.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, taking about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to an internal temperature of 165F.

Serving Ideas for Mushroom Garlic Chicken

Serving Ideas for Mushroom Garlic Chicken
  • Elevate Flavor Pairings
  • Uncork a Chardonnay: Buttery white wine complements the creamy mushroom sauce, enhancing the chicken's rich, savory notes with its smooth, oak-aged character.
  • Match with Herbed Risotto: Creamy parmesan risotto with fresh thyme mirrors the dish's velvety texture, creating a harmonious flavor profile that amplifies the mushroom's earthiness.
  • Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Crisp, slightly charred asparagus spears provide a fresh, green contrast to the heavy sauce, adding brightness and nutritional balance to the meal.
  • Add Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic bread slices perfectly soak up the luxurious sauce, offering a delightful textural experience and allowing diners to savor every last drop of the creamy mixture.

Mushroom Garlic Chicken Combos

Mushroom Garlic Chicken Combos
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the rich flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce fat content while keeping the protein high.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Keep the creamy garlic sauce and cooking technique, using vegetable broth as a base.
  • Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme. Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
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Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken thighs nestled in a rich, velvety mushroom garlic sauce promise pure comfort on a plate. Italian-inspired flavors and creamy textures will transport dinner guests to a rustic countryside kitchen where each bite feels like a warm culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fats:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare succulent chicken thighs by thoroughly seasoning both surfaces with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for robust flavor profile.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature (375°F), carefully placing chicken skin-side down to achieve golden-brown crispy exterior, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes until richly caramelized.
  3. Flip chicken and continue cooking opposite side for 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate, preserving the delectable pan drippings.
  4. Melt butter in identical skillet, introducing sliced mushrooms and sautéing until edges turn deep brown and texture becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning, cooking for an additional 60 seconds to release aromatic essence.
  6. Deglaze pan by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom to intensify sauce complexity.
  7. Introduce heavy cream, thyme, and Dijon mustard, whisking ingredients together and allowing mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  8. Carefully return chicken thighs to skillet, generously coating with creamy mushroom sauce, reducing heat to low and covering to ensure even cooking.
  9. Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, verifying chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F through precise measurement.
  10. Finish dish by sprinkling fresh parsley as vibrant garnish, serving immediately alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread to absorb luxurious sauce.

Notes

  • Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
  • Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Select fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for maximum flavor and a meaty texture that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Toast dried thyme briefly before adding to intensify its herbaceous notes and enhance the overall depth of the dish’s flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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