Description
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, skinless boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich and flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. The dish combines poultry seasoning with a luscious garlic-cream sauce to deliver a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, patted dry
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (e.g., 21 Salute Seasoning or any preferred blend)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino), finely grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release aroma and avoid burning.
- Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Bake the Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly. Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Optionally, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped dill and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the creamy oven-baked chicken thighs alongside your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet such as cast iron to transfer directly from stovetop to oven easily.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, after the sauce is prepared.
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken thighs very dry before seasoning and searing.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Fresh dill garnish adds a nice herby contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
