Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Enjoy succulent chicken thighs enveloped in a velvety, rich sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. This effortless yet flavor-packed dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by ensuring your kitchen is organized. Clean your countertops, gather all ingredients, and pre-measure whatever you can.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then rub it generously over each thigh.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear for an additional 5 minutes on the other side.
- In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk together until well-blended.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish, pour the creamy mixture over the top, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be customized with seasonal produce or fresh herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.