Description
This recipe features tender, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to a golden perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with Dijon mustard and lemon juice. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines bold flavors with a luscious, comforting sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Additional pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down carefully in the hot oil and sear them for 7-8 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Garlic in Butter: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute to release its aroma, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, into the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve each chicken thigh with a generous spoonful of the creamy garlic sauce for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, avoid moving the chicken thighs while searing.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer before adding the chicken back in.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken thighs, creamy garlic sauce, stovetop chicken recipe, bone-in chicken, easy dinner, skillet chicken
