Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Easy Dinner Recipe
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is one of those comforting dishes that never fail to impress. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden baked finish make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This recipe is easy, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Let’s go through how to make perfectly juicy, creamy oven-baked chicken thighs with step-by-step instructions and pro tips.
Ingredients for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need simple pantry ingredients. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Chicken Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Creamy Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
This creamy baked chicken recipe involves searing, baking, and creating a flavorful sauce that ties everything together. Follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat dry the chicken thighs using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin when baking.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives a crispy texture.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up in the creamy sauce. Spoon a little sauce over each thigh.
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).
Step 5: Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your chicken turns out perfect every time.
1. Use Chicken Thighs with Skin
The skin-on chicken thighs add extra flavor and prevent the meat from drying out. The fat from the skin enhances the creaminess of the sauce during baking.
2. Don’t Skip Searing
Searing the chicken first helps develop deep flavor and crisp up the skin before baking. It also keeps the juices locked inside the meat.
3. Control the Cream Sauce Thickness
If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes before baking to let it reduce naturally.
4. Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Undercooked chicken can be unsafe, while overcooked chicken becomes dry.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
With Carbs:
- Mashed potatoes – perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce
- Steamed rice – balances the rich flavor of the sauce
- Pasta or fettuccine – transforms this dish into a creamy chicken pasta
With Vegetables:
- Roasted broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance
- Steamed asparagus for a light, elegant side
- Buttered corn for a touch of sweetness
With Bread:
Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to enjoy every drop of the sauce.
Variations You Can Try
1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Add sliced mushrooms while cooking the sauce. Their earthy flavor blends perfectly with cream and Parmesan.
2. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Stir in a handful of baby spinach and a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful, Mediterranean-style twist.
3. Low-Carb Option
Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or mashed potatoes.
4. Lemon Garlic Creamy Chicken
Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Add a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Avoid reheating multiple times as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Freezing:
You can freeze the chicken with the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples
- Flavor-packed: Rich sauce and crispy-skinned chicken
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup and easy cooking
- Family favorite: Creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, they may cook faster. Reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes and check for doneness early.
2. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To thicken it, add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
3. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Store separately in the fridge and combine when ready to bake. This helps retain the creamy texture.
5. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or any hard cheese that melts well and adds a salty, savory taste.
6. Why is my sauce curdled?
Curdling happens if the cream is heated too quickly. Always cook the sauce on medium heat and stir constantly. Adding the cream after removing the pan from direct heat can help prevent this.
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Tender, bone-in chicken thighs seared for crispy skin, then baked in a rich Parmesan-garlic cream sauce. Comforting, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions - all in one pan.
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder; rub evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes; flip and sear another 4–5 minutes until golden. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt.
- Add minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning; simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add chili flakes if using.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet skin-side up; spoon some sauce over each thigh.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use skin-on thighs for the best flavor and to keep the meat juicy.
- Don’t skip searing; it builds flavor and helps crisp the skin.
- Sauce too thick? Whisk in a splash of chicken broth. Too thin? Simmer a few extra minutes before baking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds superior flavor.
- Always verify doneness with a thermometer (165°F/74°C).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 530Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 229mgSodium: 884mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 35g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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