Homey Barefoot Contessa’s Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe to Savor

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a velvety Barefoot Contessa creamy chicken thighs with lemon and thyme sauce promise a culinary adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.

Bright, fragrant thyme leaves dance with zesty lemon notes, creating a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate.

The recipe captures elegant simplicity with remarkable ease.

Succulent chicken becomes the centerpiece of a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of richness and brightness that will transport you straight to a gourmet kitchen.

Rich, creamy textures meld seamlessly with herbaceous undertones, making this dish an instant classic.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a meal that elevates weeknight dining to an extraordinary experience.

Steps to Make Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for our culinary adventure.

• Chicken Readiness

Gently massage chicken thighs with olive oil, sprinkling salt and pepper for a flavor explosion. Arrange skin facing upward on a baking sheet, letting them roast until golden and succulent.

• Vegetable Symphony

In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil together. Introduce chopped onions and leeks, allowing them to dance and soften. Sprinkle minced garlic for an aromatic touch.

• Creamy Liquid Magic

Pour chicken stock and white wine, letting them mingle and simmer. Whisk in crème fraîche and bright lemon juice, creating a silky sauce that promises comfort and excitement.

• Final Fusion

Nestle roasted chicken into the luxurious sauce. Scatter fresh lemon slices and thyme sprigs, transforming the dish into a rustic masterpiece. Return to oven for a final 15-minute transformation.

• Serving Celebration

Present the creamy chicken over fluffy basmati rice or couscous, inviting everyone to savor this delectable culinary journey.

Pro Tips for Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or turkey thighs for a different protein twist while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Experiment with rosemary or sage instead of thyme to create unique aromatic variations that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the final roasting stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner prep incredibly convenient.
• Swap white wine with dry vermouth or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich, complex flavor to the sauce.
• Add sliced mushrooms or diced carrots during the vegetable sautéing stage to boost nutrition and create additional depth in the dish's overall texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions for Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Pair With Vibrant Side Dishes: Create a colorful plate by serving the creamy chicken thighs alongside roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which will complement the rich sauce and add nutritional balance.
• Elevate With Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or additional thyme leaves over the dish just before serving to boost herbal freshness and provide a bright visual pop that enhances the overall presentation.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that will harmonize with the lemony cream sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken thighs, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Bread Accompaniment Suggestion: Serve warm crusty bread or toasted French baguette slices alongside the dish to help soak up the delicious sauce, turning this meal into a comforting and satisfying culinary adventure.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to maintain the crispy chicken skin's texture.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy within 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and chop vegetables the night before to streamline cooking time. Keep ingredients refrigerated and separate until ready to cook for maximum freshness and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on cuts provide rich flavor and juicy texture; choose organic or free-range for best taste and quality.
• Crème Fraîche: Luxurious dairy ingredient that creates silky smooth sauce with tangy undertones; select high-fat content for maximum richness.

• Onion, Leeks: Foundational vegetables that build deep, sweet base flavor; select fresh, firm produce without blemishes.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth to sauce; choose firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme: Earthy herb that complements chicken beautifully; look for bright green, fragrant sprigs.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds zesty brightness; select firm, heavy fruits with smooth skin.

• Chicken Stock: Creates depth and moisture in sauce; homemade or high-quality store-bought recommended.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and acidity; choose dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking fat with subtle fruity notes; extra virgin preferred.
• Butter: Enhances richness and provides golden color; unsalted recommended for better seasoning control.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance overall dish flavor; freshly ground black pepper ideal.

Equipment Checklist for Barefoot Contessa Creamy Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme

• Sheet Pan: Large, sturdy baking sheet for roasting chicken thighs with even heat distribution.
• 12-inch Ovenproof Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking vegetables and creating the creamy sauce, needs to be stovetop and oven-safe.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending crème fraîche and incorporating seasonings into the sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping onions, leeks, and mincing garlic with precision.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing vegetables and ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning.

Succulent Barefoot Contessa Chicken Thighs With Lemon And Thyme Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s creamy chicken thighs with lemon and thyme elevate weeknight dinners with elegant Mediterranean flavors. Rich pan sauce and herbal notes create a simple yet sophisticated meal home cooks can master quickly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 thighs)
• 1.5 cups (225 g) chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 1.5 cups (200 g) chopped leeks (white and light green parts from 2 leeks)
• 2 tsp (6 g) minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 0.5 small lemon, sliced into thin half-rounds
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (for rubbing the chicken)
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter (¼ stick)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) crème fraîche
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Cooked basmati rice or couscous

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F with center rack positioning. Thoroughly dry chicken thighs and massage with olive oil, seasoning comprehensively with salt and black pepper.
2. Initial Roasting: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on rimmed baking sheet, ensuring separation. Roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin achieves golden crispiness.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In large ovenproof skillet, melt butter and olive oil. Sauté onions and leeks until translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, stirring to release aromatic oils without scorching.
4. Liquid Development: Pour chicken stock and white wine into skillet, allowing liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating flavor profiles. Whisk crème fraîche into liquid, incorporating freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings for balanced taste.
5. Final Assembly: Nestle roasted chicken thighs into creamy sauce, strategically placing lemon slices between pieces. Scatter fresh thyme sprigs across the surface for enhanced aromatics.
6. Completion: Return skillet to oven, cooking uncovered for 12-15 minutes to thicken sauce and harmonize flavors. Serve immediately over warm basmati rice or fluffy couscous, generously spooning additional sauce around the plate for optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure crispy, golden skin and better seasoning adherence.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to develop deep flavors and achieve desired creamy thickness without separating.
• Skin-Side Strategy: Position chicken skin-side up during roasting to maximize crispiness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg