🍝 Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Egg Noodles
Serves 4–6 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: ~30 min
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, cubed (adds thickness & tang)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional — enhances depth)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
8 oz (2 cups) cooked egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
Butter, for tossing noodles
🌿 Optional Add-Ins: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, toss with a little butter, and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Remove chicken and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
Add minced garlic — cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits (flavor gold!).
Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, thyme, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens slightly.
4️⃣ Return Chicken to Pan
Slide chicken back into the creamy sauce.
Spoon sauce over top and let simmer 2–3 minutes to reheat and absorb flavors.
5️⃣ Serve Over Noodles
Divide buttered egg noodles among bowls.
Top generously with chicken and sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
🍽️ Serving Idea: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad.
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Use GF egg noodles or serve over mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles
🥛 Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for whole milk + extra cream cheese
🥦 Add Veggies: Stir in 2 cups spinach or sautéed mushrooms at the end
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Cool and refrigerate up to 4 days — reheat gently on stove with splash of broth
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze without noodles up to 3 months — thaw overnight, reheat, and serve over fresh pasta
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce
🧠 Why Chicken Thighs Are the Star
More fat = more flavor & juiciness — they stay tender even when reheated
Budget-friendly — cheaper than breasts and harder to overcook
Hold up beautifully in creamy sauces — unlike breasts, which can dry out
This dish proves that the most comforting meals start with the humblest cuts.
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Dinners Are Simple & Saucy
You don’t need fancy techniques or exotic ingredients to make a meal that warms the soul.
Just good chicken, real cream, garlic that makes your kitchen smell incredible, and noodles that catch every drop.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is the kind of dinner that brings people to the table fast — the kind someone says, “Can I take the leftovers?” before the plates are empty.
So turn on the stove, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the pan do its magic.
Because tonight, comfort is just one skillet away. 💛