Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs – Easy Comfort Food

Dinner time hits different when the weather’s cooling and your kitchen smells like garlic, butter, and love. I made this creamy oven baked chicken thighs recipe on a random Tuesday night — tired, hungry, and slightly grumpy — and let me tell you, it turned my whole mood around. There’s something special about a hot skillet straight from the oven that makes everything feel okay again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy oven baked chicken thighs are everything a cozy dinner should be. You get crispy, golden chicken with tender, juicy insides. The sauce is rich, garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan. It comes together with just a few pantry staples and only 10 minutes of prep. Plus, it’s all baked in one skillet, which makes cleanup easy. If you’re after weeknight comfort food without the fuss, this one’s for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

You’ll need 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel — this simple step makes a big difference. Moisture on the surface can prevent a good sear, and we want those oven baked chicken thighs to get beautifully golden on the outside. Once they’re dry, season both sides generously with 21 Salute Seasoning. If you don’t have that on hand, any poultry seasoning will work just fine. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on the blend you’re using. This step sets the flavor foundation, so don’t be shy.

If you’re using a skillet to sear before baking, that dry, seasoned surface helps form a flavorful crust that locks in the juices. Remember, when cooking oven baked chicken thighs, even small steps like drying and seasoning well make a noticeable difference in taste, texture, and how the final dish turns out.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dreamy sauce is the heart of what makes these oven baked chicken thighs so comforting. It begins with a base of butter and garlic — warm, fragrant, and instantly inviting. Then comes a sprinkle of flour to create a simple roux, which helps the sauce thicken into that luscious, velvety texture we crave.

Slowly pour in chicken broth to build a savory backbone, followed by a generous splash of heavy cream that gives it richness and body. The real magic happens when you stir in finely grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty complexity that clings beautifully to the chicken. Want to take it even further? Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist, or swap the broth for dry white wine to brighten the flavor. A sprinkle of fresh dill adds a pop of green and herbal freshness. This sauce makes oven baked chicken thighs truly irresistible.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1 – Season and Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F and give it a few minutes to reach full temperature — this helps ensure even cooking later. While that’s warming up, pat your chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step is essential, especially for oven baked chicken thighs, because moisture on the surface prevents that golden, crisp sear we’re after. Once dry, season both sides generously with 21 Salute Seasoning (or your favorite poultry blend), plus a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Now grab an oven-safe skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt until slightly foamy. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan, smooth side down first, and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Don’t overcrowd — sear in batches if needed so they brown properly. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate while you make the sauce.

Step 2 – Build the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped garlic and stir it around for about 1 minute until it smells warm and aromatic — this is where the flavor magic starts. Next, sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring continuously for another minute to create a smooth, golden roux. This step thickens your sauce and builds richness. Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and starts to coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. The result? A velvety, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for oven baked chicken thighs and full of cozy comfort.

Step 3 – Bake It All Together

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, placing them evenly so each piece gets a good coating of the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon more of the sauce on top of each thigh, making sure they’re generously covered — this helps lock in moisture and infuse flavor while baking. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for juicy, tender oven baked chicken thighs with an internal temperature of 165°F. As they bake, the sauce will bubble gently, thicken to a rich consistency, and turn a beautiful golden color around the edges. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Once done, sprinkle on some fresh dill and a little extra grated Parmesan for a pop of flavor and color. Serve hot with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite roasted vegetables for a truly comforting, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Patting the chicken dry helps you get a proper sear, which adds flavor. If your skillet feels crowded, sear the chicken in two rounds. That golden crust is worth it. Want to level up the sauce? Add sliced mushrooms right after the garlic for a creamy mushroom vibe. Or swap the chicken broth with white wine for a richer finish. Just don’t skip the Parmesan — it ties everything together.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, but it reheats well. Warm it in a skillet or oven with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it may overcook the chicken and break the sauce.

Explore Similar Recipes

If this creamy dish hit the spot, you might also love my Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for easy set-it-and-forget-it comfort, or try Homemade Butter Chicken with Rich Flavor when you’re craving spice and depth. For a grill-friendly option, check out these BBQ Chicken Thighs on the Grill. And if you love one-pot meals, Chicken and Potatoes Crock Pot Dinner is a hearty go-to.

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