Savory Chicken Thighs in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of chicken thighs enveloped in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that mimics the taste of high-end dining, all within the comfort of your home. This delightful dish comes together effortlessly in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Featuring common pantry ingredients, you'll love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is, especially when served over a bed of fluffy white rice and accompanied by vibrant, steamed broccoli. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a touch of elegance to this budget-friendly gourmet meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
6 (Trimmed, seasoned with salt and garlic powder)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning chicken)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning chicken and sauce)
Olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Water
1/2-2/3 cup (For sautéing chicken)
Cream cheese
6 ounces (Cubed)
Milk
3/4 cup (For sauce consistency adjustment)
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon (For garnish)
Chives
2 dashes (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Sprinkle the chicken thighs on both sides with the seasoning salt and garlic powder. Set aside to marinate briefly.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed cream cheese, milk, remaining garlic powder, and ground pepper. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, sautéing until golden brown and cooked through. Add small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking and add moisture to the pan.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, retain some of the juices, and pour in the prepared cream cheese sauce. Cook together for an additional few minutes, stirring gently, until heated through.
5
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a serving platter or a bed of fluffy white rice. Generously ladle sauce over the chicken.
6
Garnish with parsley flakes or chives for a fresh touch. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli drizzled in heated olive oil sprinkled with lime juice and garlic powder for an added zest.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Chicken Thighs in Creamy Garlic Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
It takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
How should the chicken be seasoned initially?
The chicken thighs should be sprinkled on both sides with seasoning salt and garlic powder.
What are the ingredients for the creamy garlic sauce?
The sauce consists of cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and ground pepper.
How do you prepare the cream cheese sauce?
Combine cubed cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until smooth.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Why is water added to the pan while cooking the chicken?
Water is added in small amounts to prevent the chicken from sticking and to maintain moisture.
What side dishes are recommended with this chicken?
It is best served over fluffy white rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
How do you garnish the final dish?
You can garnish the dish with dried parsley flakes or fresh chives.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly gourmet meal using common pantry ingredients.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though the recipe specifies thighs for their flavor and moisture, breasts can be substituted if cooking times are adjusted.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be smooth and luxurious, similar to a high-end dining cream sauce.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of cubed cream cheese.
Can the milk amount be adjusted?
Yes, 3/4 cup of milk is suggested, but it can be adjusted to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
How should the broccoli be prepared for serving?
The broccoli should be steamed and drizzled with heated olive oil, lime juice, and garlic powder.
Do I need to keep the chicken juices in the pan?
Yes, you should retain some of the juices before pouring in the cream cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Is the chicken cooked before adding the sauce?
Yes, the chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked through before the sauce is added.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including seasonings and garnishes.
What tools are needed for the sauce?
You will need a microwave-safe bowl and a spoon for stirring.
How long do you cook the chicken and sauce together?
Cook them together for an additional few minutes until the entire mixture is heated through.
What is the best way to plate the chicken?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a platter or rice, then ladle the sauce over it.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, while dried parsley is mentioned, fresh herbs like chives add a fresh touch.
What provides the 'zest' to the side dish?
A combination of lime juice and garlic powder on the broccoli provides the added zest.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Absolutely, it is perfect for busy weeknights as it only takes 30 minutes.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper to taste.
How much garlic powder is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder divided between the chicken seasoning and the sauce.
What gives this dish a 'gourmet' feel?
The creamy garlic-infused sauce and fresh herb garnish mimic high-end restaurant flavors.