If you’re searching for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s delightfully easy to pull together, look no further than Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. This dish celebrates tender, golden-seared chicken bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce that bakes to bubbly perfection in the oven. Every bite feels incredibly comforting, with herby undertones and plenty of cheesy goodness that will satisfy both casual weeknight eaters and special-occasion guests alike.

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs lies in using simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component adds depth, from the creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan to the bright finish of fresh dill. Here’s everything you’ll need for this showstopper meal:

Chicken Thighs: Go for boneless, skinless thighs; patting them dry ensures crisp browning and lets the flavors shine through.
Poultry Seasoning: 21 Salute Seasoning or your favorite blend boosts the savory notes of the chicken.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, bringing balance to the rich sauce.
Butter: Don’t hesitate to use real butter for best flavor, both searing the chicken and building the sauce.
Garlic: Finely chopped garlic is the aromatic backbone, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a little is needed to thicken the creamy sauce perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Adds juicy depth and helps create that velvety texture for the sauce.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luxurious creaminess this recipe is known for—don’t substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan (or provolone, if you’d like a twist) brings salty, nutty character to the sauce.
Fresh Dill (optional): Adds color, freshness, and a hint of brightness when sprinkled on top just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F, and let’s start with the chicken. Patting each thigh dry with a paper towel is key—it helps the seasoning stick and gives you that irresistible golden crust later on. Generously sprinkle both sides with your chosen poultry seasoning, plus salt and pepper. This is where the flavor journey begins!

Step 2: Sear the Thighs

Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat, and add the chicken thighs. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they develop a beautiful golden color. That little bit of browning works wonders for both taste and texture. Once they’re seared, transfer them to a plate and set aside, but don’t wipe out the pan—you’ll be building flavor right in those tasty bits left behind.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add more butter and the chopped garlic. Let the garlic sauté for about a minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute to form a golden roux—this ensures your sauce will thicken to silkiness rather than turn lumpy.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any brown bits at the bottom, then simmer for just a minute. Next, add the heavy cream and give everything a thorough stir. In goes the Parmesan, which melts right into the sauce, adding salty, creamy flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 5: Bake Everything to Perfection

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure each one gets coated in that dreamy sauce. Place the skillet—uncovered—into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The result? Incredibly juicy, fork-tender chicken with bubbling sauce begging to be mopped up with crusty bread or spooned over rice.

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

When your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs emerge from the oven, shower them with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of color and subtle herbal lift. The flecks of green and white make the whole dish look as mouthwatering as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and creamy, making it an ideal partner for simple, soak-it-up sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a mound of white rice are classic picks. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables—anything that lets the decadent sauce shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, present your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs in the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style feel. Or, plate each thigh individually and drizzle with sauce, then finish with your favorite microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Once cooled, tuck the chicken and sauce into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for wonderful next-day lunches.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can be tricky to freeze but this one stands up surprisingly well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help preserve that creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works too—cover with a plate and use medium power. Be patient and heat slowly to keep the sauce smooth and avoid overcooked chicken.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well. Just keep an eye on your baking time since breasts may cook a bit faster.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Try finely grated provolone, Asiago, or even Gruyère for a different cheesy profile. Each cheese will give the sauce its own unique twist without compromising creaminess.

Do I need to use an oven-proof skillet?

It’s definitely convenient, but if you don’t have one, simply transfer the seared chicken and sauce into a baking dish before popping it in the oven. Less dishes, more flavor!

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

The secret is to simmer gently and never let the sauce boil vigorously, especially after adding cream and cheese. Stir continuously while you add the dairy to ensure the creamiest texture.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or peas are wonderful additions—just sauté them with the garlic before adding the flour and proceed as instructed. Your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs will have a colorful, flavorful twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs as much as I have. Every step comes together effortlessly, and the end result is irresistibly good—perfect for comforting weeknights or impressive gatherings. Go ahead and make it your own, and don’t forget to savor every last spoonful of that dreamy sauce!