Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

This Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe is a creamy and tender recipe, which includes chicken thighs and lemon. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1½ teaspoons dried)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Optional garnish: lemon slices, fresh thyme sprigs
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

  1. Season and sear the chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Sauté garlic and deglaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Build the sauce: Stir in chicken stock, heavy cream, thyme, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Roast the chicken: Return seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce thickens.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove from oven, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon slices and thyme if desired.
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use boneless thighs?: Yes, but reduce oven time slightly and monitor internal temp for doneness.
  • How to avoid curdled cream: Use heavy cream and add it before baking—not boiling—helps prevent curdling.
  • What’s the best white wine for this recipe?: A dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
  • Can I make it ahead?: Yes, prepare through the sauce step, refrigerate, and finish in the oven before serving.
  • How do I make it dairy-free?: Substitute coconut cream and plant-based butter if needed.

What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Thighs

This savory chicken dish pairs well with:

  • Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
  • Roasted green beans or asparagus
  • Crusty bread or garlic knots
  • Lemon herb rice or couscous
  • A light green salad with vinaigrette
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe
Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

How To Store Creamy Chicken Thighs

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Freeze: Not recommended due to the cream sauce possibly separating upon thawing.

Creamy Chicken Thighs Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~480 per serving
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Carbohydrates: ~5g
  • Fat: ~36g
  • Saturated Fat: ~16g
  • Sodium: ~480mg
  • Cholesterol: ~140mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster and can dry out more easily.

Can I skip the wine?
Yes, use more chicken stock with a splash of lemon juice instead.

Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for keto diets.

Why sear the chicken first?
Searing locks in flavor and gives the skin a crispy, golden texture.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

480

kcal

Juicy, seared chicken thighs baked in a lemon-thyme cream sauce for a rich and satisfying one-pan meal.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • Salt and pepper

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp butter

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 3/4 cup chicken stock

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1 Tbsp chopped thyme

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • Optional: lemon slices, thyme sprigs

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Season and sear chicken until golden.
  • Sauté garlic; deglaze with wine.
  • Add stock, cream, thyme, and zest. Simmer.
  • Return chicken to skillet. Roast 20–25 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice. Rest, garnish, and serve.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.