If you’re hunting for a dish that’s pure comfort with minimal fuss, get ready to fall head over heels for these Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. This recipe brings together golden-seared chicken and a luxuriously silky garlic parmesan sauce, all baked to perfection in one skillet. The result? Tender chicken in an irresistibly creamy blanket that’s full of flavor and ready to win the hearts (and appetites!) of everyone at your table. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a cozy meal for yourself, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are about to become your new weeknight favorite.

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs lies in its streamlined, pantry-friendly lineup. These ingredients are humble-yet-essential, each playing a unique part in flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken Thighs: The juiciest, most flavorful cut perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce—boneless and skinless makes prep a breeze.
Poultry Seasoning (e.g. 21 Salute Seasoning): Adds a layer of herby goodness and depth—Trader Joe’s blend is fantastic, but any favorite will do.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings that make all the difference by building the base flavor.
Butter (unsalted): Enriches every element, giving both the chicken and sauce an indulgent, golden touch.
Garlic (finely chopped): Fragrant and punchy, garlic is the secret to that delicious aroma and a burst of savory flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating that velvety, spoon-coating texture.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a savory backbone to the sauce—the essence of homestyle comfort.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Lends creaminess and body, giving the sauce its signature luxurious finish.
Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): Infuses richness and umami, and helps the sauce cling lovingly to every bite.
Dill (finely chopped, for garnish): Optional but lovely, it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things started. While it’s warming up, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—trust me, this makes an enormous difference in getting that irresistible golden crust. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with your favorite poultry seasoning, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Every layer matters here, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Set an oven-proof skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s bubbling, add the chicken thighs and let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect golden sear, which locks in moisture and builds loads of flavor. When done, transfer the thighs to a plate—you’ll finish them in the oven soon.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

No need to wash out the skillet (hooray for less cleanup!). Add another 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Toss in your finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for another minute—this forms the base of your luscious sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking, letting it simmer and thicken for about a minute. Once it’s starting to look silken and glossy, stir in the heavy whipping cream. Follow with the parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts completely. This is where the sauce turns into liquid gold! Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet and Bake

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure every piece is well coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven (it should still be at 375°F), and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. The chicken will soak up all those flavors and come out irresistibly tender and juicy.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once done, sprinkle your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with a little chopped dill and a handful more parmesan if you’d like. The herbs add vibrant color and a fresh, delicate crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Amp up the taste and presentation by showering your chicken thighs with freshly chopped dill, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, or even a touch of cracked black pepper. Lemon zest or chives also add a beautiful touch of brightness that balances out the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs absolutely shine next to simple sides—think fluffy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or roasted asparagus. Rice, quinoa, or a hunk of crusty bread will soak up every last drop of that sensational sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get playful with plating! Serve the chicken family-style right from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe, or individually on plates with sauce spooned over and a sprig of dill on top for extra flair. For a crowd, try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of sautéed spinach or farro; it’s stunning and makes every bite saucy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs store beautifully. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to three days—the sauce might even taste richer after a rest!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these thighs! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. (The sauce may separate a smidge upon thawing, but a quick stir brings it back together.)

Reheating

To reheat, transfer chicken and sauce to a skillet, cover, and warm gently over low heat until heated through. Stir occasionally so the sauce is evenly creamy and doesn’t scorch. If the sauce has thickened or reduced in storage, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. You may want to sear the skin side first for extra crispiness, then proceed as directed. Always check with a meat thermometer—170°F is your target for juicy chicken.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

You’ve got options! Half-and-half or whole milk can sub in for the cream if you want a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free spin, unsweetened coconut cream works surprisingly well—just add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavor.

Which cheese is best if I don’t have parmesan?

Hard cheeses like pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent swaps for parmesan, delivering a similar salty, umami kick. Even a sharp white cheddar can offer great flavor if you’re in a pinch; just be sure to grate it finely for the best melt.

Can I make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the thighs and sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine everything in the skillet and bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold).

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a digital meat thermometer—the chicken is safe and juicy when it reaches 170°F thickest part. The sauce will be bubbly and the top lightly golden. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest thigh and check that the juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings comfort quite like Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. With its rich garlic sauce and golden, tender chicken, this crowd-pleaser promises to become your go-to recipe on both busy nights and special occasions. Give it a try—you’re just a skillet and a few simple ingredients away from something truly satisfying!