Creamy chicken thighs with mushroom sauce are the ultimate comfort food. Savory, simple, and ready to impress any dinner table in no time!
Creamy mushroom sauce and juicy chicken thighs are a match made in flavor heaven! This delicious recipe brings tender chicken together with a rich, velvety sauce that feels like pure comfort food but is surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply looking for a cozy meal at home, this versatile dish has you covered.
For more chicken inspiration, check out these Marinated Baked Chicken Thighs!
Get ready to impress with this creamy chicken thighs recipe that’s bound to be a family favorite.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ⭐
When it comes to a home-cooked meal that delivers big on comfort and flavor without complicated techniques, this recipe for creamy chicken thighs checks all the boxes.
Easy to Make
This recipe is so straightforward, it’s practically foolproof! You’ll only need a skillet and a few basic steps to create a dish worthy of a spot on your dinner table.
Rich and Creamy Flavor
There’s nothing quite like the luxurious combo of tender chicken thighs bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce. The natural richness of heavy cream and cream cheese blends seamlessly with earthy Portobello mushrooms, creating a flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying.
Simple and Budget-Friendly Ingredients
One of the best parts about this recipe is the accessibility of the ingredients. You won’t need to hunt down specialty items or spend a fortune at upscale markets to make this meal shine.
Family-Friendly Meal
This is a true crowd-pleaser. The tender, juicy chicken and creamy sauce appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Unsalted butter
- Bone-in chicken thighs
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Baby Portobello mushrooms
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Fresh parsley
🔪 How to Make Chicken Thighs with a Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat. While the butter melts, season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to suit your taste. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. The chicken will naturally release from the pan when it’s ready to flip.
Once browned, move the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then toss in the sliced Portobello mushrooms. Stir occasionally and let the mushrooms cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—this adds tons of flavor! Return the chicken and any juices from the plate back to the skillet.
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. When done, transfer the chicken back to the plate and cover it to keep warm.
To avoid curdling, temper the heavy cream by stirring in a tablespoon or two of the hot liquid from the skillet before adding it back into the pan. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and blends into the sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
To serve, spoon the rich sauce and sautéed mushrooms over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley for a pop of color, if you like. Pair with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
⭐ Pro Tips ⭐
- Your pan choice matters! A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for ensuring an even cook and preventing hot spots that might burn your food. These pans retain heat well, which is crucial for achieving a golden crust on your chicken thighs.
- Not only does an even-heating pan help sear the chicken to perfection, but it also enhances your sauce. The caramelized bits left behind after searing contribute an extra layer of flavor when they’re deglazed with your cooking liquids.
- When cooking both your chicken thighs and mushrooms, giving each ingredient enough space to breathe is key. If you overcrowd the pan, you’ll end up steaming rather than searing your food.
- If you find that your skillet can’t handle all the ingredients at once, cook in batches. Yes, it may take a little extra time, but your end results will thank you. Trust me, perfectly sautéed mushrooms and seared chicken are worth the patience.
- Don’t be shy with your seasoning.
- Once you’ve combined all your components, let the dish simmer gently on a low to medium-low heat. This does two incredible things: first, it allows the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender as it absorbs the flavors. Second, it transforms your sauce into a luscious, creamy masterpiece that sticks to every bite.
📖 Variations to Creamy Chicken Thighs
Want to make this dish without dairy? No problem! You can achieve the same creamy, luscious texture by using non-dairy alternatives. Coconut cream is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream and adds a subtle, rich flavor. If coconut isn’t your thing, try unsweetened almond milk combined with a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
For that cheesy component, use a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew-based sauce to replicate the creaminess without compromising on flavor. If you’re looking for more dairy-free inspiration, check out other tasty options like this Broccoli Bacon Salad Without Mayonnaise, which is also free of dairy but full of flavor.
Protein Substitutions
If chicken thighs aren’t your go-to protein, don’t worry—you’ve got options! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner alternative that still pair wonderfully with the creamy mushroom sauce. Just be sure not to overcook them; they’ll be ready a bit faster than thighs.
For a unique twist, turkey thighs work just as well, bringing a slightly richer flavor profile to the table. This is a great option if you’re cooking during the holiday season or simply looking for a change.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2 lbs. bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz. baby Portobello mushrooms sliced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 6 oz. cream cheese cut into chunks
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Directions
- Melt two tablespoons butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, to taste, and add to the hot skillet.
- Brown the chicken thighs on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken should release easily from the bottom of the skillet when ready.
- Transfer chicken to a platter and add remaining butter to the skillet. Add the sliced Portobello mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms develop some color and start to release their liquids, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and gently scrape up the brown bits from the bottom. Return the chicken thighs and juices that collected on the platter to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 25-30 minutes. Remove pan from heat and transfer the chicken to a platter. Cover and keep warm.
- To prevent curdling, temper the heavy cream by adding one or two tablespoons of the hot liquid from the skillet to it before adding it to the pan. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it is thoroughly melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired.
- To serve, spoon some of the pan sauce and mushrooms over each chicken thigh and sprinkle with some fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Enjoy!
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