Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the seared chicken thighs back in the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and rest: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure that the chicken skin is dry before cooking for maximum crispiness. Adjust sauce thickness according to preference.