If you’re searching for a true crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and decadent, look no further than Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection in the oven. The result is a weeknight dinner that feels like an indulgent treat, with minimal effort for maximum flavor. Simple spices and fresh herbs make every bite unforgettable, and you’ll definitely want crusty bread nearby to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs lies in its straightforward ingredient list — each item has a job to do, from boosting flavor to adding luscious texture or a pop of color. You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay moist and add rich flavor throughout baking.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and kicking off a beautiful golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the seasoning on the chicken itself.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle, allium sweetness.
- Paprika: Lends a gorgeous color and subtle smoky note.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for making every other flavor pop.
- Butter: Melts into the pan to build richness right from the start of the sauce.
- Garlic (fresh): Sautéed until fragrant, it infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Just a tablespoon to thicken up that dreamy creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory backbone and keeps the sauce light.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, bringing ultra-smooth, luxurious creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts right in for salty, nutty complexity.
- Dried thyme: A tiny sprinkle adds earthiness that balances the richness.
- Dried parsley: Gives a subtle herby layer without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A final flourish of freshness and color.
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to finish the dish off perfectly. Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp beautifully as it bakes. Next, sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every nook and cranny gets seasoned for the best flavor.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Drop the olive oil into a large, oven-safe skillet and turn up the heat to medium-high. Once shimmering, lay the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sizzle untouched for about 3 to 4 minutes until the skins turn a glorious deep gold. Flip and sear the other side for just 2 minutes more. Searing locks in juices and gives you that crave-worthy crispy skin. Set the chicken aside for a moment.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute — your kitchen will smell amazing! Whisk in the flour and let it cook for another minute, forming a quick roux to help thicken the finished sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking steadily so everything blends into a smooth, silky mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan, dried thyme, and dried parsley, letting the sauce bubble gently until it thickens just a bit. Every step adds a layer of rich, savory flavor that makes Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, this time with the skin facing up. Spoon a little sauce over each piece, then transfer the whole pan to the hot oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The sauce will bubble and thicken further in the oven, melding all the flavors together while the chicken gets delectably tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once baking is complete, take the skillet out and let it rest for just a few minutes. Scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before you serve. Don’t forget to ladle plenty of the creamy sauce over each piece — it’s the best part!
How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with a shower of fresh parsley — it brightens up the entire plate and offers a nice color contrast. If you like, add a little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving for even more cheesy allure.
Side Dishes
This luxurious chicken begs for something to soak up its sauce — think pillowy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a hunk of crusty bread. Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also pair wonderfully, balancing the richness with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken thighs straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, shareable vibe that encourages seconds. For a dinner party, you can plate each thigh individually with a swoosh of sauce and a sprinkle of microgreens for an upscale touch. Or tuck the chicken atop cooked pasta or egg noodles to turn that sauce into a full-on creamy pasta dream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs keep beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate — it will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors even deepen a bit on day two!
Freezing
If you have extra, you can freeze portions for a future treat. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce may thicken a little in the fridge, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to loosen it back up to silkiness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe works with boneless, skinless thighs, though they may cook a bit quicker. The skin does add extra flavor and crispness, but you’ll still get plenty of creamy, delicious results.
Is it possible to make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite plant-based butter, swap heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream, and substitute nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan for the cheese. The sauce will still turn out rich and luscious with a few tweaks.
Can I use another type Main Course
Definitely. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a mix of your favorite hard cheeses all melt nicely into the sauce and give a slightly different flavor profile while keeping that wonderful creaminess.
My sauce turned out too thick/thin — how can I fix it?
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered on the stove for a few minutes before baking, which will allow it to reduce and thicken up.
Does this recipe work with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs using chicken breasts if that’s what you have handy. Adjust the baking time, as breasts can dry out faster — start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to truly treat yourself and those you love, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs delivers a soul-satisfying dinner every time. The sauce is pure comfort and the chicken comes out juicy and full of flavor. Give it a try soon — you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these oven-baked chicken thighs, smothered in a luscious Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet until golden brown, then set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, thyme, and parsley.
- Bake: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
