If you’re on the lookout for a weeknight meal that tastes like a gourmet treat, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are about to become your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are sizzled until the skin is golden, then finished in a savory parmesan garlic cream sauce that practically begs to be mopped up with a hunk of bread. With every bite, you get velvety sauce, crispy skin, and a punch of homey, herb-flecked comfort. And the best part? This dish is heartwarming enough for a Sunday supper, yet easy enough for the busiest nights.

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs lies in its handful of pantry staples that work together like culinary magic. Each ingredient brings its own spark—whether that’s richness, color, or a layer of bold flavor, nothing here is extra. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dinner:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken that’s never dry and always satisfying.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp the skin beautifully while locking in moisture.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warm color and a gentle smoky depth to the seasoning mix.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers robust aromatic flavor that seeps into every bite.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Balances the savory notes and rounds out the seasonings.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the best in both the chicken and the sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and brightness—you’ll taste the difference.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Lends a lush richness and helps brown the garlic to perfection.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, rustic punch.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides depth and gives the cream sauce a memorable savory base.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature silky, luscious mouthfeel in every spoonful of sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a herby, Mediterranean spirit that brightens the whole dish.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly for a salty-nutty finish that brings it all together.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end makes the flavors pop and the dish look stunning.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Pat each chicken thigh dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures the skin gets crispy. Drizzle the thighs with olive oil, then massage them well with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure every nook and cranny is coated in flavor.

Step 2: Sear for a Crispy Skin

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sear undisturbed for around 4 to 5 minutes—you want to hear that satisfying sizzle! The skin should be golden and crackling. Flip the thighs over and cook for another 3 minutes. Once they’re beautifully browned, set them aside (don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking in the oven).

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those browned bits mean flavor!), lower the heat and melt your butter. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burned. Pour in the chicken broth, then the heavy cream, stirring gently. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, then let the sauce simmer for two to three minutes until it’s slightly thickened and luscious.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Bake

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon a little of that gorgeous creamy sauce over each piece. Slide the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly tender (you’re aiming for 165°F on a meat thermometer).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley generously over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs hot, making sure everyone gets plenty of the silky parmesan sauce to pour over their accompaniments.

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Nothing elevates Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs like a final flourish of fresh parsley or a touch more grated Parmesan cheese. A simple scattering of chopped chives, or even a wedge of lemon, can add a pop of color and a bright finish that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish practically demands a side that can soak up that dreamy sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a fluffy bed of rice, or even buttery egg noodles. For something lighter, I love it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp, tangy salad. Anything that gives you an excuse to savor more of that sauce is fair game!

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe. For a dinner party twist, try plating each thigh individually atop a creamy polenta base with the sauce artfully draped over the top, or cut the chicken into thick slices and serve over toasted sourdough for a cozy bistro feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring everything to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to keep the chicken submerged in sauce to maintain its tenderness.

Freezing

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs freeze quite well, though the sauce may separate ever so slightly upon reheating. To freeze, cool the dish fully, place in a freezer-safe container, and enjoy within 2 months for best flavor and texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, but the stovetop preserves that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well here—just shorten the total oven time by about 5 to 8 minutes since they cook faster, and be aware the sauce won’t have quite the same rich flavor as the crispy skin variety.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

The trick is to keep the heat moderate when making the sauce and to add the cream gradually. Avoid rapid boiling; a gentle simmer keeps everything luscious and smooth for your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You definitely can! The sauce will be a touch lighter in texture and richness, but it’s still wonderfully creamy and delicious—great if you want to shave off a little fat from the dish.

What kind of skillet should I use?

An oven-safe skillet is key for searing on the stovetop and then baking in the oven. A cast iron or heavy stainless steel pan is perfect for developing that gorgeous golden skin on the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are naturally gluten-free as written, making them a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive friends and family. Just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free if you’re preparing for someone with celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, you’ll understand why they become a staple in so many kitchens. They’re deeply comforting, surprisingly quick to prepare, and bound to bring everyone running to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’re in for a seriously satisfying (and seriously creamy!) home-cooked dinner experience.

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of these oven-baked chicken thighs, perfectly seasoned and smothered in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry, rub with olive oil, and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear Chicken: Sear chicken thighs in a skillet until golden and crispy. Remove from skillet.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
Bake: Return chicken to skillet, bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with sauce.