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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.8 from 114 reviews

This recipe for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs features tender, skinless boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich and flavorful creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The chicken is first seared in butter for a golden crust, then baked in the oven to finish cooking while simmering in a luscious cream sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh dill, this comforting dish makes a delicious and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For Chicken Thighs

  • 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel
  • 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe’s or any poultry seasoning of your choice
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese or prieve cheese, finely grated
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dill, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly on both sides with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to set aside.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Thicken Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons flour to the garlic butter mixture, stirring continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour. Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth while stirring, cooking for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in ½ cup heavy whipping cream and stir well. Add ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with finely chopped dill and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy oven baked chicken thighs.

Notes

  • You can substitute the 21 Salute poultry seasoning with any poultry seasoning blend or a mix of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried herbs.
  • Make sure to dry chicken thighs well before seasoning to help achieve a good sear.
  • Use an oven-proof skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but be mindful it may affect sauce thickness and texture.
  • If Parmesan cheese is unavailable, pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used as alternatives.
  • Check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature.
  • Garnish with fresh dill adds a lovely herbaceous freshness but can be omitted or replaced with parsley.

Keywords: creamy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs