Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: A Simple and Delicious Comfort Meal

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the epitome of comfort food. Juicy, tender chicken thighs baked to perfection in a rich and creamy sauce, making each bite absolutely irresistible. This dish is the ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion meal with minimal effort. The combination of the crispy chicken skin and the luscious, velvety sauce is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and have your family or guests asking for seconds.

In this article, we will provide you with a simple, step-by-step recipe for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, share advanced cooking techniques, storage tips, and answer frequently asked questions. Whether you are looking to make this dish for the first time or add your own twist, we’ve got you covered.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Chicken Recipes on Allrecipes and Comforting Chicken Recipes on Taste of Home.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These creamy oven-baked chicken thighs are a rich and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken thighs baked in a creamy sauce made from a blend of savory ingredients. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, cooked to juicy perfection, and smothered in a velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, skin-on): 6-8 pieces (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic (Minced): 4 cloves
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): 1/2 cup
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (for extra flavor)
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional for brightness)
Fresh Parsley (Chopped): 2 tablespoons (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken thighs:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and lemon juice (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Return chicken to skillet:
Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
Bake in the oven:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Substitutes: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Make it gluten-free: Ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free.
Serve with: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (including searing and baking)
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven-baked, Skillet-seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Calories: 375
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub the thighs with olive oil, and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and add dried thyme if desired. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy oven-baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Advanced Techniques for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

1. Add Fresh Herbs:

While dried thyme works well, you can elevate the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, or tarragon to the sauce. Fresh herbs bring an aromatic depth that complements the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly.

2. Experiment with Different Cream Sauces:

For a twist, you can make the sauce with ingredients like cream cheese, parmesan cheese, or creamy mustard. These ingredients add a tangy or umami-rich flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

3. Add Vegetables to the Sauce:

For added flavor and texture, incorporate vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts into the sauce. These vegetables will absorb the creamy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

4. Use a Cast Iron Skillet:

For better heat distribution and a crispier skin, use a cast iron skillet to sear the chicken. It retains heat more efficiently and will give the chicken a more even and consistent cook.

5. Add White Wine:

If you want a more complex flavor profile, deglaze the skillet with white wine before adding the chicken broth. The wine will add acidity and a light floral flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store:

Store any leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it.

Freezing Tips:

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating Tips:

To reheat, you can warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, if you’re using any pre-packaged chicken broth, be sure it’s labeled gluten-free.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:

For a low-carb or keto version, ensure you’re using heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half. You can also serve the chicken with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides like mashed potatoes or rice.

Dairy-Free:

To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and check the labels for a dairy-free chicken broth.

Paleo-Friendly:

For a paleo version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use ghee instead of butter. You can also serve the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs will cook faster—about 15-20 minutes in the oven after searing.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce. However, the sauce may not be as thick and creamy as it would be with heavy cream.

3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. How do I prevent the chicken skin from becoming soggy?

To achieve crispy chicken skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing it. Using a high oven temperature, like 400°F (200°C), helps to crisp the skin as it bakes.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken thighs and sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate the dish. Bake it in the oven on the day you plan to serve it for about 25-30 minutes until it’s heated through.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food. This simple yet flavorful dish brings juicy, crispy chicken thighs together with a rich, creamy sauce that is perfect for family dinners. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist with different herbs, vegetables, or cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Try it today and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.