Description
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs features tender, skinless and boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and then baked in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This comforting American main course combines simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For Chicken Thighs
- 5 skinless & boneless chicken thighs, dried with paper towel
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe’s or any poultry seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese or Prieve cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken thighs with seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In an oven-proof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally to release aroma but not burn.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bake Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them well in the creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with finely chopped dill and additional cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy oven baked chicken thighs!
Notes
- Patting chicken dry before seasoning removes excess moisture, ensuring better seasoning adherence and a crisp sear.
- Butter adds rich flavor when browning chicken and sautéing garlic, but olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
- To achieve even cooking and a nice crust, brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.