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Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

creamy garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and served over buttery parmesan mashed potatoes. This comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner comes together in under an hour and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown). Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Add Italian seasoning. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin-side up. Spoon sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and simmer 2 more minutes to thicken sauce further.
  6. While chicken simmers, mash drained potatoes with butter and warm milk. Stir in parmesan, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. To serve, spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a chicken thigh and plenty of creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based butter/cheese. Boneless, skinless thighs work—reduce cook time. Add baby spinach to sauce for extra veggies. Sear chicken well for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. If sauce is too thick, add broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered. Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken thighs, parmesan mashed potatoes, comfort food, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, mashed potatoes