CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS AND MUSHROOMS

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• ⅛ tsp sea salt
• 4 chicken thighs, bones removed (skinless or with skin OK)
• 6-10 cloves garlic, sliced in half or finely diced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, stems removed and wiped clean
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 pinch to 1 tsp red pepper flakes, depending on your desired spicy level
• ½ cup diced parsley (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:

   • Heat a heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
   • Add 2 tbsp butter to the pan, swirl around until melted and foamy.
   • Lightly salt the chicken thighs with a pinch of sea salt.
   • Cook chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

2. Cook Garlic and Mushrooms:

   • In the same pan with the pan drippings, add the garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute.
   • Add the mushrooms to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook until mushrooms are browned and tender, about 4-6 minutes.
   • Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the pan. Let it melt and combine with garlic and mushrooms.

3. Season and Add Liquids:

   • Once butter is melted, add red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) and diced parsley (if using). Stir to combine.
   • Pour in chicken stock and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Make Cream Sauce:

   • Turn off the heat. Whisk in heavy cream until well mixed.
   • Return pan to medium heat. Let the cream sauce come to a gentle boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to desired consistency.

5. Finish Cooking:

   • Return chicken thighs to the pan, along with any juices accumulated on the plate.
   • Let the sauce simmer for another 5-8 minutes, flipping chicken occasionally, until sauce is thickened and chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

   • Remove chicken thighs from pan and serve immediately, ensuring each piece is coated with creamy sauce and mushrooms.

Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms!