When the days grow shorter and dinner calls for something warm and satisfying, these creamy oven baked chicken thighs never fail to deliver. I still remember my nonna’s kitchen, the air rich with garlic and herbs, the scent of roasted chicken drifting through the house. This dish brings me right back there, to that sense of comfort and love. With juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and baked golden perfection, it’s a recipe that feels like home. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a Sunday dinner, you’ll find joy in every creamy bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These creamy chicken thighs are the perfect combination of simple ingredients and rich flavor. You get crispy skin, tender meat, and a sauce that’s pure heaven. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but requires minimal effort, your oven does all the hard work.
If you’re a fan of one-pan dinners like my Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, you’ll adore this one. It’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress guests.
Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, every forkful is packed with comfort. Plus, it’s family-friendly, kids love the creamy sauce as much as adults do.
Print
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Juicy oven baked chicken thighs in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce; easy to make and bursting with homestyle flavor.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Heat oil in skillet, sear chicken until golden on both sides.
4. Remove chicken, sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add broth, cream, and parmesan. Whisk until smooth.
6. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
8. Let rest before serving.
Notes
For lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add Dijon mustard or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these oven baked chicken thighs:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 6 pieces |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
If you enjoyed my Creamy Garlic Chicken, you’ll notice the same balance of herbs and cream here, but with crispy oven-baked texture that makes each bite irresistible.
How to Make the Perfect Oven Baked Chicken
- Prep and Sear
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, then sear each thigh skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 4 minutes per side. - Create the Sauce
Remove the chicken and sauté minced garlic in the same pan until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release flavor. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, whisking until smooth. - Bake to Perfection
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F. - Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result? Tender, juicy meat enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. Pair it with rice, roasted veggies, or this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a family-style feast.
Tips and Variations
- For a bolder flavor, add Dijon mustard or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Want a lighter version? Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.
- For a complete dinner idea, serve with my Rosemary Infused Roast Potatoes for a cozy fall meal.
If you’re a sauce lover, make extra cream mixture to drizzle over potatoes or pasta. These little tweaks turn a simple baked chicken into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs cook faster, reduce the bake time by 5–7 minutes.
2. What side dishes go best with creamy oven baked chicken thighs?
They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce; simmer it gently while whisking continuously.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken earlier, then bake it just before serving for the freshest texture.
Final Thoughts
These creamy oven baked chicken thighs are more than a recipe, they’re a reminder of the heart behind home cooking. Every step, from the sizzle of searing to the aroma that fills your kitchen, connects you to something warm and familiar. If you loved this dish, try my Caramelised Soy Chicken for another comforting, flavorful dinner. Cooking isn’t just about taste, it’s about memory, intention, and love served on a plate.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
