Mediterranean Golden Chicken Thighs in Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce
This dish brings together golden-seared chicken thighs and a rich, creamy mushroom garlic sauce with Mediterranean herbs. The chicken is seasoned simply with pantry spices, then pan-seared until perfectly browned. The sauce combines earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs with cream and Parmesan for a luxurious finish. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz (225 g) brown mushrooms, sliced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk/half and half)
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Season the chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
Sauté mushrooms and garlic
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce
Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
Return chicken to pan
Add the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Finish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or warm bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips & Variations
Chicken Options: You can use bone-in thighs or chicken breasts instead of boneless thighs. Just adjust the cooking time (breasts cook a bit faster).
Extra Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after sautéing the mushrooms for a deeper flavor base.
Lighter Version: Use evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For an even lighter option, try Greek yogurt stirred in at the end (off the heat to avoid curdling).
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to the sauce for a Mediterranean flair.
Cheese Swap: Parmesan is classic, but you can also try Pecorino Romano or Manchego for a sharper taste.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Serve over polenta, rice, or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta or bread.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cooked chicken with sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, boneless chicken breasts work fine. They cook faster than thighs, so reduce searing time to about 3–4 minutes per side and check for doneness.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce more?
A: Simmer the sauce a few extra minutes to reduce it, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine when reheating. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This sauce pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, polenta, or even roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the sauce.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4)
Calories: ~420
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
(Values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Golden Chicken Thighs in Creamy Mushroom Garlic Sauce are rich, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of tender, golden chicken with a creamy, herb-infused mushroom sauce makes it a comforting yet elegant meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.