Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are a comforting, rich, and satisfying dinner that’s incredibly easy to throw together. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs are smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce and baked until golden and bubbling—perfect for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe hits all the right notes: crisp, flavorful skin, tender meat, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. It’s made in one pan with minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Plus, the ranch seasoning gives it a savory kick that pairs perfectly with the cream and Parmesan.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and season with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish.
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In a small bowl, mix heavy cream with grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
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Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken thighs.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add Veggies: Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for a heartier dish.
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Boneless Option: Use boneless thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
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Cheese Swap: Try Asiago or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
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Zesty Kick: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave gently in short intervals. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes and check for doneness.
What can I serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta all pair well with the creamy sauce.
Is ranch seasoning necessary?
It adds great flavor, but you can use Italian seasoning or a mix of herbs as a substitute.
Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s a cream-based dish, but you could try dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
How do I get crispy skin?
Bake uncovered and place under the broiler for the last few minutes to crisp the skin.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and ensure the chicken isn’t overcrowded.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly. Freeze in an airtight container and reheat gently.
What kind of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds the most flavor.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and mix the sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready.
Does this work with chicken breasts?
Yes, but they may dry out faster—monitor closely and consider using skin-on for moisture.
Conclusion
Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—rich, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal the whole family will love. This is comfort food made simple, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken with crispy skin baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. This easy one-pan dinner features ranch-seasoned chicken and a Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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Pat chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil. Season with ranch mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared dish.
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In a small bowl, stir together heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
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Pour the cream sauce over the chicken, avoiding the skin for maximum crispiness.
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin further.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each serving.
Notes
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Veggie Add-In: Add mushrooms, spinach, for a heartier meal.
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Boneless Chicken Thighs: Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
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Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with Asiago, Gruyère, or mozzarella.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prep and store seasoned chicken and cream mix separately until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
