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Oven Baked Creamy Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked Creamy Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

This recipe delivers incredibly tender and juicy bone-in chicken thighs, coated in a rich, savory Parmesan cream sauce, all made easily in a single baking dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Seasoning
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small shallot finely diced (or ¼ small onion)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven-Safe Skillet (or 9x13 Baking Dish)
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub the chicken thighs all over with the tablespoon of olive oil. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides, focusing on the skin side.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Prepare the Sauce Base
  1. In a medium, oven-safe skillet (or a 9x13 inch baking dish if not stovetop safe), melt the butter over medium heat on the stovetop.
  2. Add the diced shallot (or onion) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let the garlic burn).
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Remove the skillet or dish from the heat.
3. Assemble and Bake
  1. Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until smooth and well-incorporated.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side up, into the cream sauce mixture. Ensure the skin remains above the liquid to crisp up, but the bottom of the chicken is submerged in the sauce.
  3. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken registers an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) near the bone, and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
4. Finish and Serve
  1. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  2. Garnish the dish with the freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, spooning the rich cream sauce liberally over the chicken and accompanying side dish.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet for 4-5 minutes before adding the sauce and transferring the dish to the oven. Ensure you maintain the 400°F oven temperature for maximum crisping.