Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Traditional Comforts

I absolutely love making Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs for dinner. The blend of savory mushrooms and tender chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sauce is simply irresistible. I find that simmering the dish allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for cozy evenings. In just 30 minutes, you can transform a simple weeknight dinner into something special. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic elevates this dish, making it a family favorite every time I whip it up.

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:48:36.140Z

When I first tried making Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it came together. The key to making this dish stand out is using a mix of wild and cremini mushrooms, which adds depth to the flavor. The first time I prepared it, I forgot to add the garlic until the end, but it turned out even better than I expected, enhancing the overall richness.

As I continued to experiment, I discovered that letting the chicken thighs brown a bit before adding the cream brings out a wonderful nutty flavor. It’s a perfect example of how sometimes, just a small adjustment can lead to an even more delightful dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy sauce that comforts the soul
Tender chicken thighs packed with flavor
Easy to prepare for a weeknight or special occasion

      

Unlocking Flavor with Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the heart of the sauce in this recipe, providing not just flavor but also texture. I recommend using a mix of cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms, as they all offer unique taste profiles. Cremini adds a deep, earthy flavor while shiitake gives a slightly smoky touch. When you sauté them until they begin to soften, it releases their natural umami, enhancing the richness of the dish.

It's important to avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the mushrooms. If too many are added at once, they will steam instead of brown, leading to a less flavorful result. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even caramelization. This step is crucial for achieving a glossy, sauce-coated appearance later on.

Making the Creamy Sauce

The rich creaminess of the sauce is a defining trait of this dish. Using heavy cream is essential as it creates the desired luxurious texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as thick. After adding the cream to the mushrooms, you should stir continuously, allowing the mixture to gently simmer until it thickens. Keep an eye on it to prevent the sauce from boiling; a gentle simmer will help maintain its creamy consistency.

Incorporating fresh thyme and parsley elevates the sauce. Thyme adds an aromatic herbal note that complements the richness, while parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. I recommend chopping the herbs just before adding them to preserve their flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or tarragon, which would provide a different yet delightful profile.

Tips for Perfect Chicken

Cooking chicken thighs to perfection requires attention to both heat and timing. Searing them skin-side down at medium-high heat is key to achieving a crispy texture. If the skin sticks to the skillet when flipping, it likely means you need to sear it a bit longer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C); using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of doneness.

If you prefer skinless chicken thighs or wish to use chicken breasts, be mindful that these may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy. Breasts typically require only 5-6 minutes per side after searing, and you may want to add a splash more broth during simmering to keep the sauce from overly thickening. With any choice of chicken, ensuring it rests for a few minutes after cooking will improve juiciness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking process.

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken thighs back to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve the chicken over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom mixture before adding the broth.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs can be made ahead, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. If you plan to cook in advance, store the sauce separately from the chicken to prevent the skin from becoming soggy. The cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the sauce will last about 2 days in a sealed container. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the sauce and chicken together. I recommend portioning it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the creaminess of the sauce, stirring frequently.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs can be served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to envelop each bite. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

For a delightful twist, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering; it enhances the flavors of the mushrooms and herbs. This subtle addition can elevate the dish for special occasions. Finally, garnish with additional chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and visual appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead. Reheat and add the chicken when ready to serve.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms adds great flavor, but feel free to use your favorites.