Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, comforting yet elegant, Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, all baked together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like restaurant food but fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight schedule.

Creamy chicken recipes have long been a favorite in American home kitchens, and for good reason. They’re reliable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs take that concept to the next level by starting on the stovetop for a golden sear and finishing in the oven, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy homemade meal, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and consistency every time.

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Why You’ll Love These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

There are countless chicken thigh recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• One-skillet convenience – Everything cooks in a single oven-proof skillet.

• Ultra-juicy chicken – Boneless chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful.

• Rich but balanced sauce – Creamy without being heavy, thanks to broth and Parmesan.

• Beginner-friendly – Simple steps with foolproof results.

• Versatile pairing – Serve it with potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables.

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again because they work for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

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What Makes Chicken Thighs Perfect for Creamy Baked Recipes

Chicken thighs are ideal for oven-baked creamy dishes, especially compared to chicken breasts. Here’s why:

Higher Fat Content

Chicken thighs naturally contain more fat, which keeps them moist during baking and prevents them from drying out in creamy sauces.

Forgiving Texture

Even if slightly overcooked, thighs remain tender, making them perfect for oven recipes where timing can vary.

Deeper Flavor

The richer flavor of thighs pairs beautifully with garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

That’s why Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs consistently deliver better texture and flavor than similar recipes made with chicken breast.

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Recipe Details

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 583 kcal per serving

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven-proof skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred)

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Tongs or spatula

Using an oven-proof skillet is essential for transitioning seamlessly from stovetop to oven, which is key to achieving the perfect texture in Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

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Ingredients for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs

• 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (such as 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe’s)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (or Prieve cheese), finely grated

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a specific role in building the signature flavor of these Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, from the golden butter-seared chicken to the smooth, cheesy sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Season

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is essential for proper browning. Season both sides evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Dry chicken equals better searing, which leads to more flavor in your final dish.

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2. Sear the Chicken

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the chicken thighs in a single layer.

Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through at this stage—just building flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

This step is critical to achieving restaurant-quality Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.

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3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute. This creates a roux that thickens the sauce.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, then stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

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4. Bake the Chicken

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top of each piece.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen as the Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs bake.

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5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

• Pat the chicken dry to ensure proper browning.

• Don’t rush the roux—cooking the flour prevents a raw taste.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

• Let it rest before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

• Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.

These small details make a big difference in the final result.

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Serving Suggestions

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Buttered egg noodles or pasta

• Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus

• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

• A crisp green salad for balance

This flexibility makes the dish perfect for both casual and more formal meals.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Mushroom Creamy Chicken Thighs

Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.

Spinach Parmesan Version

Stir fresh spinach into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Spicy Creamy Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

These variations allow you to customize Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs without changing the core recipe.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving at high power, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 583 kcal

• Protein: 29 g

• Fat: 49 g

• Saturated Fat: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 6 g

• Fiber: 0.2 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but increase baking time by 10–15 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken ahead, then bake just before serving.

Can I freeze creamy chicken thighs?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

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Final Thoughts

These Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their rotation. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, making them suitable for everything from busy weeknights to relaxed weekend dinners.

What truly sets this dish apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, one skillet, and less than an hour, you can create a meal that feels indulgent, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. The chicken stays juicy, the sauce turns velvety and rich, and every bite delivers that cozy, homemade goodness people crave.

If you’re someone who loves reliable, comforting meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs prove that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create something truly special—just thoughtful steps, good seasoning, and a little time in the oven.