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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.6 from 70 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Melt Butter for Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to begin the sauce.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).
  8. 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