Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs in Cast Iron is a rich and comforting skillet meal made with tender chicken thighs seared until golden and finished in a smooth garlic cream sauce with herbs and olives. This one pan recipe delivers deep flavor, a velvety texture, and a restaurant style result using simple ingredients and classic cast iron cooking.
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry
All purpose flour or gluten free flour
Dried oregano
Fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Unsalted butter
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves, finely chopped
Heavy whipping cream with full fat content
Fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
Green olives, pitted and sliced
Finely grated vegetarian rennet cheese such as Cabot Creamery, Tillamook, or Organic Valley
Fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare all ingredients and trim the chicken, removing any thick white tendon and patting the meat dry
2. Mix flour, oregano, salt, and pepper on a plate and lightly coat the chicken, shaking off excess
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and melt butter with olive oil
4. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and just cooked through, then remove and keep warm
5. Lower heat and add remaining butter to the same skillet
6. Add chopped garlic and cook gently until fragrant without browning
7. Pour in heavy cream and add thyme, stirring to release browned bits from the pan
8. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened and smooth
9. Reduce heat and stir in grated cheese and sliced olives until melted
10. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper
11. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce
12. Remove from heat and finish with chopped parsley before serving
Notes
Use full fat heavy whipping cream to ensure a stable and silky sauce
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties
Do not overheat the sauce once the cream and cheese are added to prevent separation
Cast iron retains heat well, so remove the pan from the burner once cooking is complete
Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days and reheated gently
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American