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Cozy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken for Chilly Nights: Best Easy Dinner

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This creamy garlic butter chicken is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Tender chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and soul-soothing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat the pan. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until the oil shimmers and a drop of water sizzles when flicked in, about 2 minutes.
  3. Sear the chicken. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot pan, smooth side down. Cook without moving them for 5-6 minutes, until the bottom is deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Do not clean the pan.
  4. Start the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan and let it melt, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Build the cream sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any remaining bits from the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, until reduced by about half. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the dried thyme and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Add the Parmesan. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Return the chicken. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for a good sear. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. Keep heat at medium-low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Let the dish rest before serving for best flavor. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, quick weeknight meal, chicken thighs, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-for-chilly-nights-best-easy-dinner/