Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings comfort and rich flavor to your table. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs seared to perfection and enveloped in a creamy garlic sauce, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is both impressive and easy to prepare, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Creamy – The creamy garlic sauce enhances the natural richness of the chicken thighs, creating a mouthwatering taste experience.
Simple Preparation – With just a few steps, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options – Pair these chicken thighs with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving perfect results. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Oven-proof skillet
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

Oven-proof skillet – Allows for searing the chicken on the stovetop and transferring it directly to the oven for baking.
Measuring cups – Ensures accurate measurements of ingredients for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs -seared chicken thighs cooked in a creamy garlic sauce.

Main Ingredients

5 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel)
1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (from Trader Joe’s or use any poultry seasoning of your choice)
salt & pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

Sauce Ingredients

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 (or prieve cheese, finely grated)
salt & pepper (to taste)
2 teaspoons dill (finely chopped for garnish, optional)

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat the oven to 375F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Next, season the chicken thighs with 21 Salute Seasoning along with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance their flavor during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Now, melt butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they achieve a golden color. After searing, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

How to Serve Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Serving creamy oven baked chicken thighs can elevate your meal and impress your guests. These rich and flavorful thighs pair well with various sides, making them a versatile main dish for any occasion.

With Rice

Steamed White Rice: A simple side that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
Garlic Fried Rice: Adds an additional layer of flavor to complement the chicken.

With Vegetables

Roasted Broccoli: Provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds freshness and color to the plate.

With Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic sauce.
Baked Potatoes: Serve with butter and herbs for a classic pairing.

With Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese enhance the richness of the chicken.
Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives create a refreshing balance.

How to Perfect Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

To achieve the best results when cooking creamy oven baked chicken thighs, consider these useful tips.

Choose Bone-in Thighs: Opting for bone-in chicken thighs can enhance flavor and moisture.
Sear Thoroughly: Ensure each side is golden brown during searing to lock in juices.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic provides stronger flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; feel free to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain juices.
Garnish Wisely: Adding fresh dill or parsley on top just before serving brightens up the dish visually and taste-wise.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your creamy oven baked chicken thighs experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; warm and buttery.
Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option that adds texture and complements the flavors.
Grilled Asparagus: Slightly charred asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with creaminess.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a delightful contrast to savory chicken.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that’s light yet satisfying alongside the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too many thighs at once, they won’t sear properly. Cook them in batches to get that delicious golden crust.
Not preheating the oven: Baking chicken in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven for even cooking.
Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after baking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can lead to a less creamy sauce. Opt for good Parmesan or similar cheese for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals until warm, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

How do I get my chicken thighs crispy?

To achieve crispy skin, ensure you sear them well before baking and don’t overcrowd the pan during cooking.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use bone-in thighs; just adjust cooking time as they may take longer to cook through.

What sides go well with Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How can I customize the creamy sauce?

Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary or mix in vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs make for a warm and comforting meal that is versatile enough to please everyone at your table. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

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Author: Ivy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 5

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Description

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. These succulent chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and then baked in a rich creamy garlic sauce that enhances their natural juiciness. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or fresh salads for a complete meal that dazzles with flavor.

Ingredients

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5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (like Trader Joe's 21 Salute)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Season chicken thighs with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
In an oven-proof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour, then gradually add chicken broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American