Creamy oven baked chicken thighs are the kind of comfort food that makes you sigh after every bite. The creamy sauce soaks into the chicken skin, locking in flavor and delivering a dinner that feels both effortless and indulgent. This recipe keeps it simple without sacrificing taste, perfect for weeknights or when you just need a no-fuss winner on the table. With crispy edges, juicy centers, and a luscious sauce, these creamy chicken thighs will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
There’s a reason why this creamy chicken thigh recipe makes a regular appearance in our home. It delivers all the savory satisfaction of a slow-cooked dish but without the extra effort.
The chicken thighs are oven baked to golden perfection while nestled in a silky, garlicky cream sauce that’s rich but not heavy. The sauce bubbles up and coats every bite in flavor, making it perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. And the bonus? It’s all done in one pan. No endless dishes, no complicated steps. Just bold flavor and real comfort.
If you loved the rich vibes of my creamy garlic chicken, then this baked version is about to become your new go-to. It’s juicy, creamy, and bakes beautifully every time.
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Creamy oven baked chicken thighs with crispy skin and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. A simple one-pan dinner that’s big on comfort.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden.
3. Flip and sear other side briefly. Remove from skillet.
4. Sauté garlic in same pan for 30 seconds.
5. Add broth, stir in cream and parmesan.
6. Return chicken to skillet, skin-side up.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, uncovered, until sauce bubbles and chicken is cooked through.
8. Garnish and serve.
Notes
You can use boneless thighs, but reduce baking time.
Spinach or mushrooms can be added before baking.
Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Ingredients
You probably have most of these on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 6 pieces |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
Looking for more comfort in a pan? Try my melt in your mouth chicken, it’s another crowd-pleaser that brings all the creamy satisfaction.
How to Make these Creamy Chicken Thighs
Making creamy oven baked chicken thighs is super easy, and everything goes into one pan. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
If you’re a fan of one-pan wonders like my garlic butter baked chicken breast, this recipe brings similar ease with added richness.
Tips and Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer quicker cooking. Reduce baking time by about 5 minutes and check doneness with a thermometer (165°F internal temp is perfect).
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of hot sauce to the cream before baking.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms directly into the cream sauce. They’ll bake down perfectly with the chicken and soak up all that creamy flavor.
- Lighter version? You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as thick. Greek yogurt also works for a tangy twist.
If you’re into creamy weeknight wins, you’ll love this creamy crack chicken gnocchi; same dreamy texture, different vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the bake time slightly. Without the skin, you’ll miss out on the crispiness, but the creamy sauce still keeps everything tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce ahead. Store covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
Does this freeze well?
The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it’s still tasty. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the oven for best results.
What should I serve with creamy baked chicken?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice soak up the sauce beautifully. Roasted veggies are a great match too.
Final Bite
Creamy oven baked chicken thighs are the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve cooked something fancy without the extra work. Every bite is juicy, savory, and full of rich garlic-parmesan flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a reliable weeknight dinner, this recipe checks every box.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
