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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This recipe for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs features juicy, skinless boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich and flavorful creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked in a luscious, cheesy sauce, resulting in a comforting and savory dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 5 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel)
  • 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning of your choice)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)

Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons garlic (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or Prieve cheese, finely grated)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons dill (finely chopped, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the garlic butter and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth while stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Bake the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy sauce. Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped dill and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy oven baked chicken thighs!

Notes

  • You can substitute 21 Salute seasoning with any poultry or Italian seasoning if unavailable.
  • Ensure the skillet used for searing is oven-proof to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth by a few tablespoons or cook the sauce a bit longer before adding cream.
  • This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice.
  • To reduce calories, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.