Irresistibly Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
The Secret to Perfect Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comforting flavors with easy preparation, look no further than these Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. With a luscious garlic sauce enveloping tender, seared chicken, this recipe is bound to impress your family and leave your taste buds dancing with delight. The rich creaminess perfectly complements the savory notes of the chicken, making it a standout meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
– Quick and easy preparation: Get this delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
– Rich and creamy sauce: The garlic and Parmesan create a flavor explosion that elevates simple chicken thighs.
– Versatile serving options: Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
– Budget-friendly ingredients: This dish uses pantry staples and affordable chicken thighs without compromising on taste.
– Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love this creamy, flavorful dish.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving the perfect result. Here are a few essentials you’ll need:
– Oven-proof skillet: Ideal for searing and baking your chicken in one pan.
– Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements to ensure balanced flavors.
– Cutting board: A safe space to chop your garlic and prepare other ingredients.
– Tongs: Perfect for flipping your chicken thighs during the searing process without damaging them.
Preparation Tips
For flawless Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, make sure to pat your chicken dry before seasoning to achieve that golden crust. Additionally, letting the butter melt fully before adding the chicken will help lock in moisture while cooking. Don’t forget to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet after searing; they add incredible depth to your sauce!
Ingredients for this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
– 5 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel)
– 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (from Trader Joe’s or use any poultry seasoning of your choice)
– salt & pepper (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
– 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)
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve come to the right place! Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Imagine tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this dish will surely impress your loved ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). This ensures that when you put your chicken thighs in, they’ll start cooking evenly right away. A well-preheated oven is key for achieving that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the oven is heating up, take your skinless and boneless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful sear. Next, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with 21 Salute Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference; it’s all about making it yours!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs
In an oven-proof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly and fragrant, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden color. This step locks in all those juicy flavors!
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Once your chicken is nicely seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet (don’t forget those tasty bits stuck at the bottom), add another tablespoon of butter along with finely chopped garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Now it’s time to thicken things up! Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the garlic and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This will help create a luscious sauce. Once it starts thickening, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese (or your preferred cheese). Mix until everything is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return those beautifully seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon some of that velvety goodness over each piece of chicken to ensure they’re well-coated.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the entire skillet into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165F (74C). The result? Tender, juicy chicken thighs swimming in a rich sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can swap out chicken thighs for other proteins like boneless skinless chicken breasts or even turkey thighs if you prefer something different. If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider tossing in some spinach or broccoli during the last few minutes of baking for extra nutrition and color. To elevate this dish even further, try adding herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for an aromatic touch.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can prevent proper searing.
– Overcooking garlic can lead to bitterness; keep an eye on it!
– Not allowing enough space between chicken pieces while searing may trap moisture.
– Forgetting to scrape up fond (those flavorful bits) before adding liquids can lessen flavor.
– Skipping taste testing throughout can result in under-seasoned dishes.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat so that you don’t dry out the chicken. If you want to freeze leftovers, make sure they’re cooled completely before transferring them into freezer-safe bags; they’ll last up to three months frozen!
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 583 kcal
– Protein: 29 g
– Fat: 49 g
– Carbs: 6 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on chicken thighs?
Certainly! Skin-on chicken thighs will give you extra flavor and richness due to rendered fat during cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables that soak up that delicious sauce!
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer; it should register at least 165F (74C) at its thickest part.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying these Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs! It’s such a cozy dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a go and don’t forget to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with 21 Salute Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet and sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken and sauté garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over garlic, whisk in chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake for 30-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
