Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Seared on the stovetop for a golden crust and baked to perfection in a creamy sauce, this dish is comforting and elegant, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 5 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel)
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning of your choice)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons 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 Pecorino cheese, finely grated)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons dill (finely chopped for garnish, optional)
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken thighs with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: In an oven-proof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to begin the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute while stirring frequently to release the garlic’s aroma without browning.
- Make Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour into the skillet and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and stir well to combine. Add 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce, Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the dish with chopped dill and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet such as cast iron for easy transitioning from stovetop to oven.
- You can substitute the 21 Salute seasoning with any poultry seasoning blend available.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer on the stove before adding chicken back.
- Boneless, skinless thighs make this dish quick and easy, but bone-in skin-on thighs can also be used, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Dill garnish adds a fresh touch but is optional based on preference.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Keywords: creamy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, chicken thigh recipe, creamy garlic sauce, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner