If you're looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs recipe is a must-try! With tender, juicy chicken legs simmered in a garlic-infused creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.
Not only is this one-pan recipe simple, but the aromatic blend of fresh herbs takes it to the next level. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & One-Pan – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
✔ Rich & Creamy – The garlic-infused sauce is packed with comforting flavors.
✔ Herb-Infused Goodness – A blend of fresh herbs enhances the taste.
✔ Juicy Chicken Legs – Slow-simmered to perfection, ensuring tenderness.
✔ Pairs Well with Everything – Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic (minced or whole for milder flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This helps them crisp up better.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken legs for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.)
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
- Return the seared chicken legs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/75°C).
- Stir occasionally, ensuring the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides!
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs
✔ Pat the Chicken Dry – This helps the skin sear better and keeps it crispy.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
✔ Adjust Sauce Thickness – Add more cream for a richer sauce or broth to lighten it.
✔ Low and Slow Cooking – Keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Variations & Additions
🌿 Cheesy Twist – Stir in mozzarella or extra Parmesan for a cheesier sauce.
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
🍄 Mushroom Lovers – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added depth.
🍷 White Wine Option – Swap half the chicken broth with dry white wine for an elegant touch.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa – Light and fluffy sides that complement the dish.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Ideal for dipping into the garlic-infused sauce.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great sides.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight and reheat as instructed.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes! Bone-in, skin-on thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How Do I Make It Less Rich?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add extra broth to lighten the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs recipe is easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The garlic-infused cream sauce combined with tender, juicy chicken creates a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you! 🍽✨
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