This dish brings together tender, seared chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles. Each bite is filled with comforting flavors — savory, garlicky, and just enough cheese to feel indulgent without being heavy. It’s a hearty, one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless skinless – both work beautifully)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
For the sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half if you prefer a lighter result)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for tossing the noodles after cooking)
Optional garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel — this ensures the skin (if using skin-on thighs) crisps up nicely and that you get a beautiful golden crust. Generously season both sides of the thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken thighs into the pan, skin-side down if using. Let them sear without moving for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden brown and easily releases from the pan. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to brown as well. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Build the Garlic Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant — be careful not to let it brown, or it may become bitter. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — these add tremendous flavor to the sauce. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Add the thyme and optional lemon juice at this stage. Stir slowly to fully incorporate the cheese and herbs, and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, simmering for 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed
- Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes. The sauce will reduce and intensify in flavor, and the chicken will become perfectly tender and infused with the richness of the garlic and Parmesan. If using bone-in thighs, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 75°C). The meat should be juicy, tender, and nearly falling off the bone.
- Prepare the Egg Noodles: While the chicken is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles well, then toss them with the unsalted butter if desired — this step helps prevent sticking and adds a deliciously silky texture to the noodles.
- Assemble the Dish: To serve, arrange the buttered egg noodles on each plate or in shallow bowls. Place a chicken thigh (or two, depending on appetite) on top of the noodles, and spoon a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce over everything. The sauce should coat the noodles and cascade over the chicken for a mouthwatering presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you like. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
This meal is the definition of comfort food — it’s simple, deeply flavorful, and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. The creamy garlic sauce alone is worth repeating with other proteins or poured over rice or mashed potatoes. But paired with juicy chicken thighs and egg noodles, it becomes a well-balanced, soul-warming dinner perfect for any night of the week.