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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.4 from 115 reviews

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food, offering juicy, golden-seared chicken thighs nestled in a rich, garlicky, Parmesan-infused creamy sauce. The dish bakes to perfection in under an hour, with minimal prep and irresistible flavor. Perfect for family dinners, this one-skillet meal combines the ease of oven-baking with the decadence of a classic cream sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs

  • 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, patted dry with paper towel
  • 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning of your choice)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or prieve cheese), finely grated
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dill, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with poultry seasoning and salt & pepper.
  2. Sear Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden color develops. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce – Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt an additional 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  4. Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, mixing continuously to create a smooth roux and remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Broth & Thicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the mixture thickens.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Add heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, continue stirring, and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  7. Combine & Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat in the creamy sauce. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
  8. Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh dill and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures the seasoning adheres and results in a better sear.
  • Butter adds great flavor to both the chicken and the creamy sauce, though olive oil can be used if preferred.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning chicken to ensure even cooking and achieve a nice crust.
  • You can substitute other hard cheeses for Parmesan if needed.
  • The sauce thickens further as it bakes; don’t worry if it seems thin before going into the oven.