Indulge in Comfort: Creamed Corn Chicken Thighs Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Creamed Corn Chicken Thighs recipe. Imagine succulent chicken thighs nestled in a rich and creamy corn sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and leave you craving more. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless is fine)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Creamed Corn:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and paprika. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamed Corn Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and lightly brown.
5. Add the Liquid: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Incorporate the Cheese and Corn: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce.
7. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed corn mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetable Variation: Add diced bell peppers or spinach to the creamed corn mixture for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamed corn sauce.
• Herbaceous Touch: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to infuse additional layers of flavor into the dish.
• Grain-Free Option: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, here are some adjustments to make this Creamed Corn Chicken Thighs recipe suitable for your dietary needs:

• Keto Version: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour when dredging the chicken thighs. Replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. Omit the corn kernels or use a small amount of low-carb vegetable such as diced zucchini or cauliflower florets instead.
• Low-Carb Version: Follow the same substitutions as the keto version, but also reduce the amount of onion used in the creamed corn sauce to minimize carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead of boneless thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the creamed corn sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken thighs fresh.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese in the sauce?

A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor to your liking.

Q: What should I serve with Creamed Corn Chicken Thighs?

A: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Creamed Corn Chicken Thighs is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken thighs and velvety creamed corn sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the creamy goodness with every bite!