You want easy comfort food, right? Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs makes weeknight dinners downright irresistible—think juicy chicken, golden crust, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that could win over anyone at the table. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, with just one dish to clean—real-life magic for the busy home cook.
If you’re craving something that’s both fuss-free and packed with flavor (plus creamy sauce—always!), this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Key Takeaways
- Melty, creamy sauce with juicy chicken in every bite
- Fast prep and easy cleanup—just one skillet
- Crowd-pleaser that works for busy weeknights or special gatherings
- Great leftovers and freezer-friendly for meal prepping
- Pair it with my rich and comforting creamy Italian sausage pasta for a perfect duo!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- You’ll get that golden, buttery chicken PLUS a silky, cheesy sauce that hugs every piece
- Kids and adults alike beg for seconds—honestly, it’s a weeknight hero
- Seasons easily—garlic, dill, a hint of Parmesan, whatever you have
- It’s packed with lean protein, thanks to those boneless chicken thighs—perfect for feeling full (but not stuffed!)
- The crispy edges you get from oven baking? Absolute perfection!
- One pan means less washing—so you can actually enjoy your night
- Sneak in extra veggies or swap out herbs as you like (try it with a dash of fresh parsley)
- Serve alongside my wholesome healthy turkey taco bowls for a complete meal
Food or Cultural Background
I still remember the first chilly fall night I tried creamy oven baked chicken thighs in my Midwest kitchen—my little ones were fussing, the air smelled like roasted garlic, and all I wanted was something filling that didn’t take a ton of effort. This kind of skillet-to-oven chicken dish is pure American comfort food, blending buttery richness with family-friendly flavors.
The recipe’s evolved through seasons of experimenting—sometimes I steal a tip from my chicken enchilada casserole routine and upgrade the cheese, or I double the garlic on nights when I need a little extra cozy. It’s my absolute go-to for feeding a crowd, but it’s got just as much magic when you’re quietly making dinner for yourself.
Ingredients for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
| Ingredient | Notes/Substitutes |
|---|---|
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs | Sub: bone-in (add 10 min bake time) |
| 2 tbsp unsalted butter | Sub: olive oil for dairy-free |
| 1 tsp poultry seasoning | Sub: Italian seasoning blend |
| Salt, pepper, to taste | Use sea salt or substitute low-sodium |
| 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic | Sub: garlic powder (1 tsp) |
| 2 tbsp flour | Use gluten-free flour if needed |
| 1 cup chicken broth | Sub: vegetable broth |
| ½ cup heavy whipping cream | Sub: half-and-half (thinner sauce) |
| ½ cup grated Parmesan | Sub: Piave or dairy-free cheese |
| 2 tsp fresh chopped dill (optional) | Substitute fresh parsley or omit |
Equipment Needed
- Oven-proof skillet (or baking dish)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Paper towels (for patting chicken dry)
- Whisk (must for creamy sauce!)
- Meat thermometer (for juicy chicken)
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- Add more butter to skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Sprinkle flour in and whisk to form roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, letting sauce thicken.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese, season to taste.
- Nestle chicken thighs back in sauce, coat well.
- Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce bubbles.
- Garnish with dill and serve with buttery cornbread or try my lemon garlic cod for a lighter pairing baked lemon garlic cod.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Always pat chicken dry for a crispy sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown in batches if needed.
- A roux thickens the sauce perfectly—don’t skip it.
- Swap broth with white wine for a richer sauce.
- Try adding mushrooms or spinach for greens.
- Freeze leftovers for up to a month.
- Broil briefly for a bubbly cheese crust.
- For more easy one-pan meals, check out my best one-pan hamburger casserole.
What to Serve With Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic mashed potatoes or herby rice
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread to soak up sauce
- Complement with my creamy Italian sausage pasta for a full Italian-American dinner
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Keep leftovers airtight in fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat in skillet or covered dish; add cream/broth if sauce thickens.
- Freeze portions; thaw overnight then warm gently.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 390 | 20% |
| Total Fat | 24g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 58% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 560mg | 24% |
| Total Carbs | 9g | 5% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Calcium | 192mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 10% |
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.
FAQs About Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
What temperature should you bake chicken thighs to?
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, safe chicken.
Can I use half and half instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter, less rich.
Should I cover chicken when baking?
Bake uncovered for crispy edges and perfect sauce.
Can I use bone-in thighs?
Yes, just add about 10 extra minutes to baking time.
What cheese works best here?
Parmesan is classic, but Piave or even mozzarella work well.
Final Thoughts
I hope this creamy oven baked chicken thighs recipe becomes your weeknight champion—balanced, comforting, and seriously delicious. Pin it, print it, and don’t forget to try pairing it with my flavorful healthy turkey taco bowls for a fresh twist. Drop a comment and tell me how it went, I love hearing your kitchen stories!
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste.
- Return chicken thighs to skillet, coating well with sauce. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a crispier sear.
- Bone-in thighs can be used; add 10 minutes to cook time.
- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
- You can add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Sauce can be thickened further with an extra tablespoon of flour if desired.