Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone in the family will love. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that is simple to make. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs because it is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The chicken turns out moist and flavorful, while the creamy sauce adds a delightful touch. Plus, it requires just a few ingredients that you may already have at home. This recipe is also versatile; you can serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Place the seared chicken thighs in a baking dish, pour the cream sauce over them, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with your favorite side dishes. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce is also perfect for drizzling over pasta or roasted vegetables.
How to Store Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead, store Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them until hot.
Tips to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken when searing it. A nice golden brown is what you want, but it will cook further in the oven.
- You can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for added flavor.
- If you want a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful, as chicken breasts may require less cooking time. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and then bake them when you are ready to serve.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. The sauce may not be as thick, but it will still be tasty.
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs Can use boneless thighs as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar can be used.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Place the seared chicken thighs in a baking dish, pour the cream sauce over them, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.