Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Welcome to a truly delightful weeknight meal! This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together with incredible ease. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, baked to golden perfection. It is an impressive dish perfect for special occasions but simple enough for any busy evening.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

You will quickly fall in love with this recipe for many reasons, making it a new staple in your kitchen.

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single oven-safe skillet, simplifying cleanup.
• Rich, irresistible sauce: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is truly decadent and coats every piece of chicken.
• Tender, juicy chicken thighs: Baking the chicken thighs ensures they stay incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Quick and easy to make: This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks, requiring minimal prep and active cooking time.
• Family-friendly flavors: The mild yet rich taste appeals to all ages, making this a dinner everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

This fantastic Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have. You will need chicken thighs, a few dairy products, and common seasonings to create this flavorful dish. Find the full list of quantities in the recipe card below.

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and less fat. Bone-in, skin-on thighs work too, but will require a slightly longer baking time.
• Seasoning: “21 Salute Seasoning” is a great blend, but feel free to use any poultry seasoning, Italian herbs, or a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Cream/Dairy: Heavy whipping cream provides the richest sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be thinner.
• Cheese Options: Finely grated Parmesan is classic. Consider Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or a mild white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Fresh dill adds a lovely finish. Parsley or chives are also excellent garnishes and can be used interchangeably.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these delicious creamy chicken thighs.

• Oven-safe skillet or baking dish: A cast iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish works perfectly.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Spatula or tongs: For searing the chicken and stirring the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Meat thermometer: Recommended for checking chicken doneness.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Creating this comforting dish is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

Preparing the Chicken

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a better sear. Season both sides generously with your chosen seasoning blend, salt, and pepper. Melt two tablespoons of butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook for another minute until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Finally, add the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.

Baking to Perfection

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rich, creamy sauce. Ensure each thigh is well-coated. Place the uncovered skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.

For food safety, the USDA recommends ensuring all poultry, including chicken, reaches a safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.

Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish your delicious Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with fresh dill and a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the best results with these simple tips for your creamy chicken thighs.

• Do not overcrowd the pan: Sear chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of searing it.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat. Aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
• Scrape up browned bits: After searing the chicken, those browned bits (fond) in the pan add incredible flavor to your sauce. Scrape them up as you whisk in the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Trust your meat thermometer.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Sauté it until fragrant, typically just one minute, to avoid a bitter taste.
• Not seasoning enough: Chicken and sauce both benefit from proper seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to any meal plan.

What to Serve With

This rich dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

• Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or a simple pasta dish are excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad to add a vibrant vegetable element.
• Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that irresistible sauce!

Storage & Reheating

• Store any leftover creamy chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream when reheating to help revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Cheese substitutes: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• White wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) before adding the broth for a more complex flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe knowing its nutritional value. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. For a precise breakdown, consult the full recipe card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long to bake boneless chicken thighs? After searing, boneless chicken thighs typically bake for 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C) when covered in sauce. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Can I replace heavy cream with half and half? Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner. Heavy cream provides the best consistency for this creamy chicken dish.
• How to store leftover creamy oven baked chicken thighs? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Creamy sauces containing dairy often separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. Understanding the science behind food preservation can help; resources from university extensions explain the impact of freezing on dairy products and sauces often lose their smooth texture after freezing. While technically possible, the texture of this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs sauce may be compromised.

Conclusion

This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe truly simplifies weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor. Its tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and one-pan convenience make it a comforting, easy-to-love meal. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Leave a comment below with your thoughts and share your culinary creations with us.

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are tender and flavorful, seared to golden perfection before being baked in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 count chicken thighs skinless & boneless dried with paper towel
• 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe's or use any poultry seasoning of your choice
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons garlic finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese or prieve cheese finely grated
• 2 teaspoon dill finely chopped for garnish, optional

Equipment

• Oven
• Oven-proof skillet
• Plate
• Spatula
• Grater

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
4. Add flour and stir continuously for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens, then stir in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each thigh in the creamy sauce. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with finely chopped dill and additional cheese if desired. Enjoy the dish!

Notes

For best results, make sure to dry the chicken thighs thoroughly before seasoning and searing. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to use any poultry seasoning you prefer. Garnish with fresh dill and extra grated cheese for an appealing finish.