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Close-up of finished creamy skillet chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet, surrounded by a rich garlic cream sauce and garnished with chopped parsley.

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Nutrition

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
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