There’s something truly magical about a dish that delivers on comfort, flavor, and that “wow, you made this?” reaction every single time. Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is that kind of meal—simple enough for busy weeknights, yet so luscious and elegant you’ll want to serve it for guests. Each tender chicken thigh roasts to juicy perfection under a blanket of ultra-silky parmesan cream sauce, filling your kitchen with the kind of aroma that calls everyone to the table before you’ve even set out the plates. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, and I’m so excited to share how you can make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs a standout favorite in your kitchen too!

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love when an ingredient list is both approachable and packed with promise? Every item here brings something special—crispy, golden skin, a luscious sauce, mellow heat, and brightness that makes each bite sing. Let’s peek at what you’ll need for truly unforgettable Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

Chicken thighs (6, bone-in, skin-on): The star of the show—bone-in, skin-on for ultimate juiciness and crisp edges.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sear lends beautiful color and flavor to your chicken.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t skimp! Salt brings out chicken’s natural savoriness.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of heat and depth.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory factor, making the chicken extra tasty.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Melds into the background for subtle, sweet warmth.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For that hint of smoky color and gentle spice.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sauce, giving it a velvety finish.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The creamy backbone—so silky and satisfying.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Balances richness and intensifies chicken flavor.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Nutty, salty, and perfect for thickening the sauce.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend that ties all the flavors together.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a kiss of heat, if you like things zippy.
Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish): Adds brightness and a fresh finish right at the end.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to extra crispy skin! Next, sprinkle both sides of each thigh with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This quick seasoning mix ensures every bite is bursting with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sizzle for about 4–5 minutes, or until the skin is gorgeously golden and crisp. Carefully flip and sear the other side for 2 more minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate—it’ll finish cooking in the oven later.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

With those beautiful pan drippings as your base, reduce the heat to medium and drop in your butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant (no more than 30 seconds!). Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then whisk in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling it, the red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and wonderfully creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Snuggle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce skin-side up. Spoon a little creamy goodness over each piece so every inch is coated. Now, move the skillet to your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know the Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are ready when the sauce bubbles, the top is burnished, and the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are out of the oven, shower them with freshly chopped parsley. Give the skillet a little swirl or spoon some extra sauce over the top—no one will complain about too much sauce here. Serve immediately while hot, and prepare for rave reviews at the table!

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A handful of bright, fresh parsley is classic—it cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color. You can also try a shower of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a few thinly sliced chives for a gentle oniony note. The finishing touch is all about balancing flavors and making your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This recipe absolutely shines with fluffy mashed potatoes that absorb every drop of sauce, but you can also pair it with steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or garlicky sautéed spinach bring a lovely contrast to that luxuriously creamy casserole vibe—don’t be surprised if the sides start disappearing as quickly as the main attraction!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try serving individual portions in small, ovenproof ramekins—each with its own portion of chicken and sauce. Or, pile the chicken thighs on a big platter, spoon over extra sauce, and top with a cascade of fresh herbs and lemon zest for a family-style wow moment. Even leftovers can be reimagined: shred the chicken and sauce over baked potatoes, or spoon everything onto toasted crusty bread for an out-of-this-world open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs store beautifully! Once the chicken cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container along with plenty of sauce. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, making weekday lunches easy and delicious.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together. Let everything cool completely, then package in a freezer-safe container (or freezer bag) and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the sauce might separate slightly after thawing, but a good stir will bring it right back.

Reheating

For optimal results, reheat Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Either way, a quick garnish of fresh herbs or Parmesan revives every bite.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and are a bit quicker to cook—you’ll want to reduce the oven time by about 5–7 minutes. The result is still super tender and flavorful, though the skin-on version does give you that crave-worthy crispness on top.

Is there a lighter option for the cream sauce?

Yes! For a lighter take, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or even try a combination of milk and a generous scoop of Greek yogurt. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still satisfyingly creamy—you’ll barely notice the difference.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

You bet. Fold in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or some sautéed mushrooms right before the chicken goes into the oven. The veggies will soak up the sauce and add pops of color and nutrition.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries—just sear the chicken and cook the sauce in any heavy-bottomed pan. Then, transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven step. The flavor will be just as wonderful, and cleanup might even be easier!

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—when the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C), you’re in business. The juices will run clear, and the meat will be super juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste the comfort and crave-worthy flavor packed into Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. It’s a true kitchen hero—fuss-free, bursting with gorgeous, rich sauce, and loved by absolutely everyone at the table. Give it a try soon, and enjoy all those “can I have the recipe?” requests coming your way!

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these oven-baked chicken thighs smothered in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken: Sear chicken thighs in a skillet until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Bake: Return chicken to skillet, bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy with your favorite sides.