Ina Garten Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme

When you’re craving something cozy but still fresh and flavorful, Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme is a perfect choice. This dish combines crispy seared chicken thighs with a velvety cream sauce, infused with fresh thyme, lemon zest, garlic, and just the right amount of tang. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy—but is easy enough for any night of the week.

What Are Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme?

This comforting recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, seared until golden, then simmered in a silky sauce made from white wine, garlic, chicken stock, cream, and fresh thyme. Finished with a splash of lemon juice and zest, it balances rich and bright flavors beautifully.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

• Elegant yet simple – Classic Barefoot Contessa style
• One-pan dish – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
• Rich and satisfying – With a balanced creamy sauce
• Bright citrus and herbs – Keeps it light and fresh
• Perfect for company or date nights – Feels special
• Pairs well with many sides – From mashed potatoes to rice
• Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme

• 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
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock
• ¾ 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

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze

Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Carefully pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add chicken stock, cream, thyme, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir to combine. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.

Step 4: Roast to Finish Cooking

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Serve

Remove from the oven, stir in fresh lemon juice, and adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and thyme if desired.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Thighs

• Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed polenta – Perfect for soaking up sauce
• Steamed asparagus or green beans – A fresh, bright contrast
• Lemon rice or buttered noodles – Mild and fluffy base
• Roasted carrots or parsnips – Adds natural sweetness
• Crusty bread or focaccia – For every last drop of sauce
• Simple arugula salad – A peppery, crisp side
• Glass of dry white wine – Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Sear the chicken well before baking – This develops deep flavor
• Use fresh lemon and thyme – They brighten the creamy sauce
• Don’t boil the cream – Simmer gently to avoid curdling
• Check internal temp of chicken – 165°F is ideal
• Use a wide skillet – Ensures even cooking and browning
• Add lemon juice at the end – Preserves its fresh zing
• Let the chicken rest before serving – For maximum juiciness

Variations of the Recipe

• Use boneless thighs or breasts – Adjust cooking time accordingly
• Swap cream for half-and-half – For a lighter version
• Add shallots or mushrooms – For more depth
• Use rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme – Flavor twist
• Stir in baby spinach or peas at the end – Adds color and nutrients
• Add Dijon mustard to the sauce – For a gentle kick
• Top with grated parmesan or crumbled feta – For richness

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in airtight container – Good for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet – Add a splash of stock or cream
• Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating – Keeps it smooth
• Freeze only if necessary – Sauce may separate slightly
• Thaw in fridge and reheat gently – Stir frequently
• Store chicken and sauce together – For best flavor
• Label and date containers – Helps with planning

How Do I Reuse Leftover Creamy Chicken Thighs?

• Serve over pasta or rice – Toss with fresh herbs
• Slice into wraps or pitas – With greens and vinaigrette
• Add to a grain bowl – With farro, roasted veg, and dressing
• Serve over mashed cauliflower – For a low-carb option
• Chop and toss into a creamy soup – Adds protein
• Layer into a sandwich – With crusty bread and arugula
• Top on toast or a biscuit – For a fancy brunch

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 1g

FAQs

What makes Ina Garten’s creamy lemon thyme chicken so flavorful?

The combination of seared chicken, fresh thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of cream creates a sauce that’s both rich and bright, perfectly balanced.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless thighs cook faster and stay tender. Just reduce the roasting time by about 5–7 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it. Add the lemon juice at the end after removing from heat to keep the cream smooth and stable.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, sear and bake the chicken, then store it with the sauce in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving and stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme is a beautiful balance of rich and refreshing. With a silky sauce, crispy chicken, and bright herbs, this recipe turns basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. It’s comforting, luxurious, and surprisingly easy—everything you want in a timeless dinner recipe.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili
• Ina Garten’s Chicken Stew and Biscuits
• Ina Garten Chicken and Dumplings
• Ina Garten Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
• Ina Garten Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

Print