This Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce is the ultimate Sunday comfort dish, perfectly paired with fluffy white rice. The creamy sauce with mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese elevates the tender chicken thighs to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- 4 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Ā°F (74Ā°C).
- Make the Mushroom Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, start the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced baby Bella mushrooms and sautƩ for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, reduce the heat to low, and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it to a plate and pour the pan juices into the sauce for added flavor.
- Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it sit on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve the chicken thighs over white rice, generously drizzled with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Rice Options: For a lighter option, pair this dish with cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the mushrooms after sautƩing for a deeper flavor.
This dish combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce and tender chicken with the simplicity of white rice for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for Sundays or any day you want a comforting yet impressive meal. Enjoy! š