Description
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs seared to a golden brown and baked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and poultry seasoning. Perfectly cooked in the oven, this dish delivers comforting, savory flavors with a luscious texture that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, patted dry
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (e.g., 21 Salute Seasoning or any preferred blend)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 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
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: 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, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Add the heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Place the skillet uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Optionally, garnish the chicken with fresh chopped dill and extra grated cheese. Serve the creamy baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken thighs are patted completely dry to achieve a good sear.
- Use an oven-proof skillet to avoid transferring the chicken and sauce during baking.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a nice herby brightness to the finished dish.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and chicken thigh size; always check internal temperature for doneness.
