Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of creamy garlic butter chicken thighs.

This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, buttery sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or a special occasion.

Ingredient List

To create my delicious creamy garlic butter chicken thighs, I gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs: 4 to 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for juicy flavor
• Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning the chicken
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the chicken
• Butter: 3 tablespoons for a rich sauce
• Garlic: 4 cloves minced to infuse flavor
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup to create the sauce base
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup for that creamy texture
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated for a cheesy finish
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish and a fresh touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
   Begin by patting the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that golden crispy skin I love. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Oil and Butter
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the mixture to heat until the butter melts and slightly bubbles.
3. Sear the Chicken
   Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear them without moving for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pay attention – I usually need to turn down the heat to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Add the Broth
   Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to the sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer.
6. Stir in the Cream and Parmesan
   Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese fully melts, creating a luscious creamy sauce. I like to season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
   Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
8. Simmer to Finish
   Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures it cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully.

Recipe Notes & Variations

To make this creamy garlic butter chicken thighs even more personalized, here are some notes and variations I love to try:

Use Different Cuts of Chicken

While I recommend bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for their flavor and moisture, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

Swap Out the Cheese

If you want to change the flavor profile, consider substituting the Parmesan cheese with another type of cheese like Asiago or Gruyère. Each will give the sauce a unique twist that pairs wonderfully with garlic.

Add Veggies

I enjoy adding vegetables to my dish for extra nutrition and flavor. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Just toss them into the skillet after sautéing the garlic and let them cook until tender.

Adjust the Creaminess

For a lighter sauce, I often replace half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This still keeps the dish rich without overwhelming the palate, and it allows the other flavors to shine through.

Spice It Up

If I’m in the mood for a kick, I’ll add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic.

Fresh Herbs

For garnish, I love to sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an additional layer of flavor. It makes the dish pop both visually and tastewise.

Meal Prep

This dish is perfect for meal prep! I often double the recipe and divide it into portions. It reheats beautifully and makes for a comforting meal on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve these chicken thighs over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce, but it also pairs well with steamed vegetables for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving my creamy garlic butter chicken thighs with a variety of sides that complement the rich flavors of the dish. Here are some of my favorite options:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Thick and fluffy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. I prepare them by boiling peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mashing them with butter, cream, and a pinch of salt for an ultra-creamy texture.

Steamed Vegetables

For a lighter touch, I often pair the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The crunchiness of the veggies adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce, making each bite delightfully balanced.

Rice or Pasta

Whether it’s buttery rice or al dente pasta, both options serve as excellent vessels for the sauce. I usually prefer wide noodles like fettuccine because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying mouthful.

Garlic Bread

To add an extra layer of flavor, I love serving garlic bread on the side. The warm, toasted bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce, and it adds a wonderful garlicky aroma to the meal.

Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken thighs. I like mixing arugula with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Wine Pairing

To elevate the meal, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. The fruitiness of the wine balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for my creamy garlic butter chicken thighs, ensuring you know what you’re savoring with every delightful bite.

The following table outlines the key nutrients per serving, based on a standard serving size of one chicken thigh with sauce.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	28g
Total Fat	36g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	4g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	1g
Cholesterol	160mg
Sodium	600mg

This dish is rich in protein and provides a hearty dose of healthy fats primarily from the butter and olive oil, which adds a delicious creaminess that complements the chicken perfectly.

While the saturated fat content is higher due to the butter and heavy cream, it’s balanced by the protein content, making it a satisfying option for dinner.

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish a bit, consider using less butter or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

You can also serve it with plenty of colorful vegetables to boost the fiber and overall nutrient content of your meal.

Enjoying it with a side of leafy greens or whole grains can help elevate the nutritional profile even further.

Conclusion

I can’t stress enough how much I love creamy garlic butter chicken thighs. This dish brings a wave of comfort that’s hard to beat.

The tender chicken paired with that rich sauce is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.

Plus the variations and serving suggestions make it easy to personalize for any occasion.

So why not give it a try? I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen just like it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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