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
Scale
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.
