Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs in a Delicious Creamy Sauce Recipe

Name: Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs in a Delicious Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Ingredients: Chicken thighs; Olive oil (for searing); Lawry’s Seasoned Salt; Cavender’s Salt-Free Seasoning; Smoked paprika; Onion powder; Garlic powder; Seasoned pepper; 2 tablespoons of butter; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/2 cup of chicken broth; 3/4 cups of heavy cream; Seasoned pepper (to taste); Salt-free Tony’s seasoning (to taste)

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These pan-seared chicken thighs are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, browned in olive oil, and baked in a delicious creamy onion sauce. This comforting chicken dinner is perfect for a family meal when you want something full of flavor without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Chicken thighs
Olive oil, for searing
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Cavender’s Salt-Free Seasoning
Smoked paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Seasoned pepper

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup of chicken broth
3/4 cups of heavy cream
Seasoned pepper, to taste
Salt-free Tony’s seasoning, to taste

How to Make this Delicious Chicken

1. Season the chicken

Season the chicken thighs with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, Cavender’s Salt-Free Seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned pepper. Season to your preference.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season the sauce with seasoned pepper and salt-free Tony’s seasoning to taste.

4. Arrange the chicken

Place the seared chicken thighs in an oven-safe baking dish or use the same skillet if it is oven-safe. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

5. Bake the chicken

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes.

6. Drench with sauce

Spoon or drizzle the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches your desired doneness. I prefer them to cook to an internal temperature of about 185°F.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Spoon the delicious sauce over the chicken before serving.

Tina’s Tips

Preparing the sauce in the pan used to sear the chicken helps capture the flavorful browned bits.
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone if using bone-in thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may require a different cooking time depending on their thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Why do you cook the chicken to 185°F?

Chicken thighs are often cooked beyond the minimum safe temperature because the additional cooking helps break down connective tissue and can give them a more tender texture. The USDA recommends that all poultry reach at least 165°F internally. A temperature of 185°F is a personal preference for this recipe, not a food-safety requirement.