Ingredients
For the Chicken
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6 boneless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 small shallot, finely minced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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⅓ cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this ensures crispy skin. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix evenly over the chicken thighs. -
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. -
Make the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced shallot and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme sprigs, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor. -
Add Cream
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Combine and Finish
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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Patting chicken dry before searing is crucial for crispiness.
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A cast iron skillet provides the best results due to its even heat retention.
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Avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling—simmer gently.
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Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free