Mushroom Chicken Thighs is a dish that features juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. It uses ingredients like garlic, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream, giving the chicken a rich, savory flavor. The mushrooms add texture and a deep umami taste, making this meal both satisfying and full of flavor.
This dish takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The chicken thighs cook in about 15 minutes, while the creamy mushroom sauce simmers in just 10 minutes. With quick cooking times, Mushroom Chicken Thighs is a great option for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Cooking Mushroom Chicken Thighs provides a perfect balance of comfort and flavor. The rich, creamy sauce complements the tender chicken thighs, creating a satisfying dish. The mushrooms add an earthy depth to the sauce, making it feel like a special meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- Packed with Flavor: This Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender chicken with rich, earthy mushrooms. The savory taste from the mushrooms enhances the juicy chicken, creating a mouth-watering dish. You’ll love how every bite bursts with flavor!
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Don’t stress over complicated cooking! Mushroom Chicken Thighs come together in no time. With simple ingredients and a fast cooking process, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal quickly.
- A Comforting, Hearty Meal: This recipe offers a comforting balance of protein and vegetables, making it filling and satisfying. The creamy mushroom sauce adds a cozy touch, perfect for anyone craving a hearty meal that’s also wholesome and fulfilling.
Ingredient Notes for Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, chicken thighs add rich flavor and are perfect for this dish. They stay moist even when cooked at higher temperatures.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms, like cremini or button, bring a deep, earthy flavor that pairs well with the chicken. They soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite savory and satisfying.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and sauté the mushrooms. It adds a healthy fat and subtle flavor, helping to keep the dish light.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce, making it smooth and velvety. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor. It works perfectly with both the mushrooms and chicken, creating a savory base for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the backbone of the sauce, providing a savory, comforting liquid. It helps to deglaze the pan and adds depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a luscious, creamy sauce. It balances the flavors, making the dish indulgent but not too heavy.
- Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a herby, earthy note to the sauce. It’s a perfect complement to the mushrooms and chicken, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish. They bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and mushrooms and balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. It brightens up the rich flavors of the dish, giving it a more balanced taste.
Mushroom Chicken Thighs Variation
While the classic Mushroom Chicken Thighs recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Mushroom Chicken Thighs: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the mushrooms while sautéing them for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon: Crisp up some bacon in the skillet before cooking the chicken thighs. Use the bacon fat to sauté the mushrooms for an added layer of flavor.
- Lemon Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest, along with some extra garlic, for a tangy twist on the classic dish.
- Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Spinach: For a touch of greens, stir in some fresh spinach along with the mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
How to Serve Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Mushroom Chicken Thighs can be served in many ways, making it a versatile dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mushroom sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, making it a comfort food favorite.
- With Pasta: Toss the chicken and mushrooms in the sauce with pasta for a complete meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Storage Options
Mushroom Chicken Thighs are easy to store and reheat. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Mushroom Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, freeze the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave the leftovers, but the stovetop method will help retain the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs About Mushroom Chicken Thighs
How do you cook Mushroom Chicken Thighs?
To cook Mushroom Chicken Thighs, sear the chicken until golden, then cook the mushrooms in the same pan with cream and seasoning. Simmer the chicken in the mushroom sauce until fully cooked for a delicious, tender result.
Can I make Mushroom Chicken Thighs in advance?
Yes, you can make Mushroom Chicken Thighs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them gently on the stove to keep the chicken tender and the mushrooms flavorful.
What sides go well with Mushroom Chicken Thighs?
Mushroom Chicken Thighs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Is Mushroom Chicken Thighs a healthy dish?
Mushroom Chicken Thighs can be part of a healthy diet when made with lean chicken thighs and minimal added fats. You can adjust the recipe by using lighter cream or adding more veggies for added nutrition.
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor is!). Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken, return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer the chicken: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the sauce occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. You can serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
