Creamy Skillet Chicken Thighs
Hilary PARKER
This Easy Creamy Skillet Chicken Thighs recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It pairs the irresistible texture of pan-seared, crispy chicken skin with a rich, savory garlic cream sauce, all made in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, it tastes like a restaurant meal but comes together in just half an hour.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 385 kcal
For the Chicken:
- 5-6 boneless chicken thighs skin-on for best results
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Prep and Season: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken generously. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 7-8 minutes (up to 10 if needed) until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (don't wipe it out!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword cast iron chicken recipe, creamy skillet chicken thighs, easy weeknight meals, garlic cream chicken, keto chicken thighs, one pan chicken dinner