Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any day of the week. The chicken thighs cook in a rich and creamy sauce that makes each bite flavorful and satisfying. This easy recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort, making it a favorite for busy cooks and food lovers alike.
Why Make This Recipe
You should consider making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs because it is an effortless way to impress your family or guests. The combination of tender chicken and a luscious cream sauce is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for all skill levels in the kitchen.
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is easy and fun. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Place the seared chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the cream sauce over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce pairs well with all these sides, enhancing the overall meal experience. You can also serve it with rice or pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Store Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for a longer time, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
- For added flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cream sauce before baking.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using different cuts of chicken, like chicken breasts or drumsticks, but be aware that cooking times may vary. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs.
2. What should I serve with this dish?
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement the creamy sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the cream sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. This will save you time on busy days!
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Baking
- Place the seared chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the cream sauce over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
