. This list makes it easy to gather what I need, ensuring a smooth cooking process. Seasoning the chicken thighs First, you need to season the chicken thighs. Use salt and black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides. This helps the chicken taste great. Searing in the skillet Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust. Check that the inside reaches 165°F or 74°C. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Sautéing garlic and deglazing In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir often until the garlic smells good and turns light gold. Don’t let it burn, or it will taste bad. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. This gets all the tasty bits off. Creating the creamy sauce Now, stir in heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It should thicken a bit. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Incorporating chicken with sauce Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Nestle the chicken in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This makes sure the chicken is hot and well-coated. Adjusting seasoning and serving suggestions Before serving, taste the sauce. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy garlic chicken skillet hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice touch. Pair it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to enjoy every drop of sauce. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get a golden-brown crust, start with dry chicken. Pat the thighs with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. The oil must be hot before adding the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. For a flavorful sauce, you can mix in different herbs. Try adding basil or oregano for a twist. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them. They add a nice touch of brightness. To achieve the right consistency, keep the sauce on low heat. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. This dish pairs well with many sides. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. These options soak up the creamy sauce nicely. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken in the skillet. This gives a rustic look. You can also transfer it to individual plates. Top with fresh parsley for color and freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out chicken thighs for other proteins. Turkey works well and has a similar taste. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. If you need to avoid dairy, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. These will still give you that luscious texture without the milk. To make your dish even better, add some vegetables. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Mushrooms bring a nice earthiness to the meal. You can also mix in different cheeses. Try gouda for a smoky twist or feta for a tangy bite. These changes can elevate your creamy garlic chicken skillet to a new level. Feel adventurous? Try a Cajun-style twist! Add some cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for heat. This will give your dish a warm, spicy flavor. For an Italian-inspired version, toss in sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream sauce. Each adaptation makes for a unique and tasty meal experience. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. In the fridge, your creamy garlic chicken will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, the best way to reheat is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to warm it up. This helps keep the creamy texture. If you need to, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help. To freeze this dish, first cool it completely. Then, divide it into portions and place in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This meal can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the section above! Cook chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side. They should reach 165°F. This ensures they are juicy and safe to eat. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster, so check them after 4-5 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time as needed to avoid dryness. Absolutely! Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. These substitutes add a nice flavor to the sauce. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Stir it in until the desired thickness is achieved. In this post, we explored the steps to make creamy garlic chicken. We started with the key ingredients like chicken thighs and heavy cream. Next, we covered how to prepare the chicken and create a delicious sauce. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and variations to keep it exciting. Finally, we talked about proper storage and answered common questions. This dish is simple yet impressive. With practice, you can make it your own!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f113cca5-0908-4b60-8d0c-2f437b0b011c-250x250.webp)
Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
Indulge in this creamy garlic chicken skillet that’s sure to impress! With tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich cream sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious option for busy evenings. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!