Keto Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Description

This Keto Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is a rich, flavorful dish perfect for a low-carb lifestyle. Succulent, crispy-skinned chicken thighs are pan-seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that is simple to prepare at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb – Perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
• One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort required.
• Rich and Creamy – A flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken thighs.
• Customizable – Easily adaptable with different herbs, seasonings, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

6. In the same skillet, add butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
10. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

11. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
12. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Possible Variations

• Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Different Herbs – Swap thyme for rosemary or basil for a unique flavor.
• Add Vegetables – Stir in spinach or asparagus for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Ensure the skin is completely dry before searing and avoid moving the chicken while it cooks.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes since they cook faster.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work well for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a side salad for a complete keto meal.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but they may be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let it simmer longer, or add a small amount of xanthan gum for a keto-friendly thickener.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it in the oven?

Yes! After searing the chicken, bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then add the sauce.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a delicious, low-carb dish that’s easy to make yet tastes gourmet. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a dinner, or just looking for a satisfying keto-friendly meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home!

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