Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Requires simple, accessible ingredients
Basic cooking techniques without complex steps
Complete, balanced meal with protein and vegetables
Can be prepared ahead of time for a convenient meal
Creamy, cheesy texture complements chicken
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
300g sliced button mushrooms
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
200ml double cream
100g grated cheese (Gruyère or Emmental)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6-7).
Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Add the mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid has evaporated and the chicken is lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat, stir in the crème fraîche. Mix well.
Pour the mushroom mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle evenly with grated cheese.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear when cut) and a golden crust forms.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out.
What cheeses can replace Gruyère?
Comté, Beaufort, or Raclette melt well and offer similar profiles.
How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use crème fraîche with a minimum fat content of 30% and avoid boiling vigorously during cooking.
You Must Know
The chicken skin must be completely dry before cooking for perfect crispness.
Do not cover the dish during oven cooking to obtain a cheesy, gratinated surface.
The safe internal temperature for chicken is 74°C (measured with a meat thermometer).
Mushrooms naturally release water: cook them thoroughly until completely evaporated.
Storage Tips
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: In the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes (not recommended for microwave ovens to preserve texture).
Freezing: Can be stored without the parsley garnish for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
Do not refreeze already defrosted leftovers.
Enjoy!