Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re in search of a weeknight dinner that’s not just easy but delightfully irresistible, look no further than Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. This dish features perfectly seasoned, golden-seared chicken thighs that finish tender and juicy, all cozied up in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. The rich scent as it bakes will have your entire home feeling like a warm hug, and every bite delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure. Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a surefire hit for family dinners, entertaining, or anytime you want to impress without a fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this recipe is in its humble, straightforward ingredient list. Each element brings something unique, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or a hint of fresh color, resulting in restaurant-worthy Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs without a complicated trip to the store.

• Chicken thighs (5, skinless & boneless): These make the dish incredibly juicy and absorb every note of the creamy sauce.
• 21 Salute Seasoning (or other poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon): This blend is a shortcut to big-on-flavor chicken, but feel free to swap in your favorite poultry seasoning.
• Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for coaxing out all the savory goodness in both the chicken and the sauce.
• Butter (2 tablespoons for chicken, 2 tablespoons for sauce): Adds rich flavor and, when combined with flour, creates the base of the creamy sauce.
• Garlic (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Garlic’s aromatic kick is what turns this sauce into something swoon-worthy.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Just enough to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides a savory backbone to the creamy sauce and keeps things from getting too heavy.
• Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup): The key to that decadent, silky finish you crave in oven baked dishes.
• Parmesan cheese or preive cheese (1/2 cup, finely grated): This adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken up the sauce beautifully.
• Dill (2 teaspoons, finely chopped, optional garnish): A sprinkle of dill is a pop of freshness that contrasts fabulously with the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375F; this ensures that once your chicken is ready for baking, your oven is primed. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help them sear beautifully—moisture is the enemy of golden-brown skin! Generously season both sides of the chicken with your chosen poultry seasoning and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, because well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Goodness

Grab an oven-proof skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, lay in your chicken thighs and let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is all about building flavor; the outside gets a lovely color and the inside stays gloriously juicy. Transfer the chicken to a plate when each piece is golden and tempting.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the very same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), add another 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the garlic and give it about a minute to release that unmistakable aroma—stir often so nothing burns. Sprinkle over the flour and whisk for another minute to form a smooth, fragrant roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go, and simmer for about a minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, pour in the heavy cream, stir it all together, and sprinkle in the Parmesan. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if your heart tells you to.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors in the Oven

Now for the magic moment—nestle those seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure each piece is well-coated in the dreamy sauce. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. As it bakes, the sauce thickens and clings to every bite, and the chicken becomes fork-tender perfection. You know it’s ready when your kitchen smells irresistible and the juices run clear. A final flourish: scatter over fresh dill and extra cheese if you’re feeling festive.

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Add a scatter of finely chopped dill for a herby pop and extra Parmesan for a melt-in-the-mouth finish. A little cracked black pepper or even a zest of lemon will really make each serving sparkle and look restaurant-quality.

Side Dishes

This dish is all about the velvety sauce, so serve it alongside something that will soak up every last drop: fluffy rice, tender mashed potatoes, or a loaf of crusty bread are all perfect companions. For color and crunch, think simply-roasted green beans, asparagus, or a tangy arugula salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic look, ladling plenty of sauce over top. Or, for a special occasion, slice the thighs and fan them over a creamy polenta base, then drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with dill. Set your skillet right on the table, family-style, for maximum “wow” factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The chicken and sauce will keep together beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making a fantastic lunch or second dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container, ideally with the sauce ladled over the chicken to keep it moist. For best texture, use within 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your chicken thighs with sauce into a covered skillet or baking dish and warm in a 325F oven until hot (about 15–20 minutes). Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge—it’ll loosen up perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely! Just be aware that bone-in cuts may take a bit longer to cook through. You’ll also get a little extra flavor from the bones, and the skin will become deliciously crisp. Adjust the baking time and always check that the internal temp reaches 165°F.

What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?

No worries—you can sear everything in any skillet, then transfer chicken and sauce to a baking dish for the oven step. Make sure to scrape every bit of that flavorful sauce into the dish for the full Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs experience!

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. If you want to keep things dairy-free, try coconut cream or a favorite plant-based cream substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare everything up to the point just before baking, then cover and refrigerate. When guests arrive, pop the skillet into the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add just a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce tightens up too much as it cooks, simply whisk in a splash of extra broth or cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. It’s a great way to keep the Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs luxuriously saucy!

Final Thoughts

If comfort food with a dash of elegance is calling your name, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. This is a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try soon and let the kitchen fill with delicious anticipation—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

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