Hey there, fellow home cooks! Are you looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to whip up? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs, a dish that’s perfect for quick family dinners or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—yes, you read that right! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy pasta recipes and wants something flavorful without the fuss. So, grab your skillet and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
- Creamy, tangy, and aromatic all in one dish
- Gluten-free and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients
- Can be served over rice, pasta, or even as a standalone dish
- Great for dump meals—just sear, simmer, and serve!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe. It’s simpler than you think!
- Pat Chicken Thighs Dry: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily.
- Add Garlic and Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all the flavorful browned bits (this is called deglazing).
- Stir in Cream and Herbs: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped thyme and parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and let them simmer in the creamy lemon herb sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time:
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh thyme and parsley give this dish its bright, aromatic flavor. If you’re a fan of herby dishes, you’ll love this combination!
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: The lemon juice not only adds acidity but also helps lift all the caramelized bits from the skillet, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: The heavy cream will thicken as it simmers, creating a rich, creamy texture. Be patient and let it cook until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Serve
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for serving your Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs:
- Over Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- With Pasta: Toss cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) in the lemon herb sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
- As a Standalone Dish: Serve the chicken thighs alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a light, balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Need to plan ahead? This recipe is a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Cool the dish to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
And there you have it—a delicious, 30-minute meal that’s perfect for any occasion! If you’re a fan of quick family dinners and easy pasta recipes, this Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite 30-minute meals, like How to Make Lemon Chicken with Best Lemon Butter Sauce in 30 Minutes and How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in 30 Minutes. Happy cooking, everyone!
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs chicken thighs
Lemon Juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
Heavy Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garlic
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
Parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken thighs until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds), then deglaze with lemon juice.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh herbs; let simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
