Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy recipe for tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 4–5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon sauce over each thigh.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
For boneless thighs, reduce oven time by about 5–10 minutes. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Consider ingredient swaps for varying flavors.