Description

This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner, the dish is seasoned simply with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, then coated in a luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a touch of brightness, this comforting meal pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

5 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel)
1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)

Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons garlic (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated, or Prieve cheese)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
2 teaspoons dill (finely chopped, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat and season: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly on both sides with the 21 Salute Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to release aroma without browning the garlic.
Make roux and thicken sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Add liquids and cheese: Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream, stir well, and add 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Bake the chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish the dish with finely chopped dill and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken meal!

Notes

You can substitute 21 Salute Seasoning with any poultry seasoning or your favorite herbs for similar flavor.
Be sure to use an oven-proof skillet (like cast iron) to sear and bake the chicken in the same pan.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
If Parmesan is not available, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as alternatives.
To ensure chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer and confirm a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce (approx. 200g)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, creamy sauce chicken