Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together with ease, look no further than these Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. Each bite is a dreamy combination of golden, crispy skin and juicy chicken, all nestled in a velvety Parmesan garlic sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, yet simple enough to whip up after a busy day. Whether you’re making it for the family or impressing dinner guests, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs will quickly become one of your most-requested recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs so magical is how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a starring role, building up layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver juicy meat and delicious crispy skin every time.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken skin.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with an aromatic, savory depth.
- Onion Powder: Lends a gentle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Gives the chicken a warm color and a hint of smokiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps build the base of the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced cloves release a burst of garlicky flavor that infuses the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to the sauce’s luxurious, silky texture.
- Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth and helps thin the sauce just enough.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a little something extra to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for color and a fresh pop of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, which is the secret to crisp, golden skin. Then, generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This blend not only flavors the meat but also creates a beautiful, flavorful crust as it bakes.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the thighs skin-side down and let them sizzle undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the skin turns deeply golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious texture that sets Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs apart from other recipes.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant—careful not to burn it! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens ever so slightly. This is where the magic happens, creating a sauce that will coat every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, making sure each piece is nestled into the sauce. Spoon a bit of sauce over the top for extra flavor. Transfer the skillet to your hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will bubble and thicken, and the aroma in your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs rest for 5 minutes. This quick pause allows the juices to settle and the sauce to thicken up just a bit more. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness—if you like. Now, get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous sparkle. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving can really take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a warm loaf of crusty bread are classic choices. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans—it’s the perfect balance to the rich, creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, serve the chicken thighs family-style in the skillet, letting everyone spoon over extra sauce. Or, plate each thigh individually over a bed of mashed potatoes or polenta, letting the creamy sauce cascade down the sides. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers adds a touch of elegance, if you’re looking to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are just as delicious the next day. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but the flavors will deepen beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken thighs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but a gentle stir when reheating will usually bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent it from splitting.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness after about 20 minutes in the oven. While you’ll miss out on the crispy skin, the dish will still be full of flavor and wonderfully tender.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half works well as a substitute for heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still creamy and satisfying. Avoid using milk alone, as it may not thicken enough for that signature silky texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are naturally gluten-free, as the sauce contains no flour or thickeners. It’s a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten—just double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the dish is built around a creamy sauce, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will change, but with the right seasonings, you’ll still have a comforting meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat will be wonderfully tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both soul-warming and easy to pull off, you absolutely have to try Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. The blend of crispy skin, juicy meat, and that irresistible Parmesan sauce is pure magic. Once you make it, this dish just might earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe offers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this comforting dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, making every bite indulgently satisfying while being gluten-free.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine the ingredients. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is thoroughly cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables to absorb the delicious creamy sauce.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
