Creamy, buttery, and packed with garlic goodness—your next weeknight favorite!
Servings: 4
There’s just something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and cream. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day! This dish reminds me of Sunday dinners when my mom would whip up something that smelled so heavenly, you’d forget all about the chaos of the week. These creamy garlic butter chicken thighs are the perfect Easy Keto Chicken Dinner—simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve to guests. Get ready to wow your taste buds and your family!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Supplies Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon the sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the creamy texture.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes after simmering.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach or mushrooms while simmering the sauce for added nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts or boneless thighs if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! They cook faster, so reduce the simmering time by 5–7 minutes.
What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce work wonderfully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try coconut cream and a plant-based butter substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
This creamy garlic butter chicken thigh recipe is a super easy chicken dinner at its best—rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). So grab your skillet and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon the sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.