Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that promises to be both luxuriously creamy and tantalizingly spicy? These Creamy Spicy Chicken Thighs are not just another chicken recipe—they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. With a perfect balance of crispy skin, rich cream sauce, and a kick of heat that will make your palate sing, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better skin crispiness.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, allowing skin to crisp and turn golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Simmer cream sauce for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce and heating through for 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken thighs.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken thighs sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: Pat your chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to achieve that irresistible golden-brown skin.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your spices—the combination of paprika and cayenne creates a flavor profile that's both bold and complex.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For the best sear and flavor development, a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron is your best friend.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium-high heat is crucial for getting that perfect crisp without burning the skin.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safely cooked through.
- Let the Sauce Tell a Story: Those browned bits in the pan? They're packed with flavor—make sure to scrape them up when making your cream sauce.Pro tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to make it even more exciting? Try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for an extra layer of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 140mg
