If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make, this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce give this dish a rich, satisfying flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress, this recipe hits every note from creamy and savory to perfectly baked golden goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the full-bodied taste, silky texture, and gorgeous color that makes this recipe so special. From the fragrant poultry seasoning to the luxurious heavy cream, everything comes together effortlessly.
- 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless: Using boneless makes the cooking process easier and ensures even cream coverage.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Adds a warm, herbaceous depth that complements the creaminess.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided to sear the chicken and create the lush base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: Provides an irresistible aroma and savory bite to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a smooth, velvety consistency without clumps.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: The star ingredient that makes this sauce decadently creamy.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Melts beautifully and brings a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note when used as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming. Then season both sides generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to build that foundational flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds wonderful texture before baking. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate—don’t discard the flavorful butter and drippings in the pan!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Use the same skillet to melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add your finely chopped garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant—this garlic aroma is what makes the sauce so crave-worthy. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute; this helps cook the raw taste out and sets the stage for a thickened sauce.
Step 4: Add Flour and Liquids
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps as the sauce starts to thicken within a minute. Then stir in the heavy whipping cream followed by the Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce creating silky richness with a slight tang and saltiness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—this is your moment to perfect the flavor balance.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken in Sauce
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into that creamy sauce and spooning extra sauce atop each piece. Place the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors beautifully and cooks the chicken through to an ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh dill if you like, along with a little extra Parmesan to add a lovely finishing touch. The result is irresistibly tender chicken enveloped in a dreamy cream sauce that’s sure to become a household favorite.
How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill or parsley adds a subtle herby brightness that contrasts the creamy sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan just before serving also elevates the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a crisp side salad. The mild sides soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve the chicken over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy risotto. You can also add roasted vegetables on the side to introduce a colorful, caramelized contrast that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so a gentle reheat is best to bring back that perfect silky texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious meal longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing to preserve the sauce’s texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs add even more flavor and juiciness, though the baking time may increase slightly. Just ensure to check the internal temperature to confirm it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help achieve a creamier texture if you use milk instead.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain a savory flavor.
Can I prepare this dish without an oven-proof skillet?
Definitely. You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven step. Just pour the sauce over the chicken evenly before baking.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Searing the chicken thighs first locks in juices, while baking them gently in the creamy sauce helps finish cooking without drying out the meat. Avoid overbaking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines ease, comfort, and elegance all at once. This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly that kind of meal — full of flavor, simple to prepare, and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, skinless, and boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and baked in a rich, flavorful cream and Parmesan sauce. Infused with garlic and poultry seasoning, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, patted dry
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (e.g., 21 Salute Seasoning or any preferred blend)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino), finely grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the thighs evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux and prevent lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts completely into the creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bake the Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning generous amounts of the creamy sauce over each piece. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Optionally garnish with fresh dill and extra grated Parmesan cheese to add color and flavor. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry to help achieve a nice sear.
- Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly before adding cream and cheese.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- This dish pairs well with rice, potatoes, or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
