Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce: Easy Dinner Recipe

Arlene Rojas
Created
Updated

There’s something remarkably comforting about a plate of Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce. This easy and cozy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a luxuriously rich cream sauce that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, these Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare yet taste like they came straight from a favorite restaurant. Whether you’re building your go-to list of Dinner Recipes Baked or searching for new ideas using Dishes With Chicken Thighs, this dish promises flavor, comfort, and easy satisfaction.

Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce Easy Dinner Recipe

How Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce Became a Family Favorite

A Dinner Recipe That Brings Back Memories

The first time I made Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce was on a chilly autumn evening when I needed a dish that felt both hearty and soothing. As the Oven Baked Chicken Thighs sizzled in the pan, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter mingling together. When I pulled the dish from the oven, the golden edges of the chicken glistened under a blanket of velvety cream, inviting everyone to gather around the table. I still remember the first bite—tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. My family went quiet for a moment, savoring the richness of the sauce before declaring it one of the best Dinner Recipes Baked we’d ever tried. That recipe quickly became a regular request, turning weeknights into small celebrations.

There’s something undeniably special about a great cream sauce—it transforms ordinary Oven Baked Chicken Thighs into something heavenly. The cream blends seamlessly with garlic, butter, and parmesan, creating a silky texture that clings to every bite of chicken. It’s not just about richness; it’s about balance—the sauce enhances the savory depth of the chicken while adding subtle sweetness that calms and comforts. Over time, this combination turned into my signature dish for any occasion, from last-minute dinners to cozy Sunday gatherings. The result? A meal that’s indulgent yet effortless, proving why Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce deserves a permanent spot in every home cook’s rotation.

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Close-up of baked chicken thighs in creamy sauce garnished with herbs in a white baking dish.

baked chicken thighs in cream sauce: easy dinner recipe


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

These baked chicken thighs in cream sauce feature tender, flavorful chicken baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This simple oven method delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal prep and everyday ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

    2. Pat chicken thighs dry and coat with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.

    3. Heat skillet over medium heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.

    4. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

    5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan, then add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

    6. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly, then taste and adjust seasoning or add lemon juice for brightness.

    7. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece, and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

    8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional parmesan before serving.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: main course
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 thigh
    • Calories: 450
    • Sugar: 2
    • Sodium: 500
    • Fat: 28
    • Saturated Fat: 15
    • Unsaturated Fat: 12
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 5
    • Fiber: 0
    • Protein: 30
    • Cholesterol: 120

    Keywords: baked chicken, cream sauce, chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, oven baked, creamy chicken, family dinner, comfort food

    The Recipe Breakdown — Ingredients & Tools

    Simple Ingredients for Delicious Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce

    Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

    Creating these Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce doesn’t require any fancy ingredients—just a handful of kitchen staples that come together beautifully. This dish is all about comfort and balance, using creamy, savory, and slightly nutty flavors to make an unforgettable Dinner Recipes Baked option. Below is a simple breakdown of everything you’ll need, neatly organized so you can plan your trip to the store or cross-check your pantry.

    CategoryIngredientsAmount
    ChickenBoneless skinless chicken thighs6 pieces (about 2 lbs)
    Olive oil or butter (for searing)2 tbsp
    SauceUnsalted butter2 tbsp
    Garlic cloves, minced3 cloves
    Heavy cream1 ½ cups
    Chicken broth½ cup
    Parmesan cheese, finely grated½ cup
    Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)1 tsp
    SeasoningsSalt1 tsp (adjust to taste)
    Black pepper½ tsp
    Paprika½ tsp
    Dried thyme or Italian herbs½ tsp
    GarnishFresh parsley, chopped1 tbsp
    Extra parmesan or crushed red pepper (optional)As desired

    These simple yet high-quality ingredients ensure your Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Dinner turns out rich and flavorful. The combination of butter, garlic, and cream builds a luxurious base, while parmesan and herbs tie everything together. Feel free to add optional extras like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to make the sauce heartier or to fit your personal taste. Whether it’s your first time making Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce or you’ve prepared similar Dinner Recipes Baked before, you’ll love how accessible and satisfying this ingredient list feels.

    Kitchen Tools and Preparation Setup

    One of the best parts about this Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is that it relies on just a few essential tools, making cleanup a breeze. You won’t need specialized equipment—just the items you probably already have in your kitchen.

    • Oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan: Ideal for searing the chicken on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven.
    • Baking dish (optional): If you prefer transferring your chicken after searing, use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Whisk: Helps incorporate the cream and parmesan smoothly into the sauce.
    • Mixing bowls: For combining seasonings and prepping your sauce ingredients.
    • Tongs or spatula: To handle chicken without piercing or tearing it.
    • Meat thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked thighs every time.
    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even baking.
    2. Trim the chicken thighs to remove excess fat if needed. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them sear beautifully.
    3. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs on both sides. This simple seasoning blend builds the flavor right from the start.
    4. Pre-sear the chicken in the oven-safe skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil until lightly golden on both sides—about 3–4 minutes per side.
    5. Prepare for baking: Once the velvety cream sauce is made (you’ll create it right in the same pan), the chicken goes back in for finishing in the oven.

    Having everything within reach before you start cooking ensures a smooth, stress-free process. The key to successful Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce lies in balance—using the right cookware, giving the chicken space to brown evenly, and allowing the sauce to coat every piece of meat perfectly.

    Step-by-Step Method & Serving Ideas

    How to Make Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

    1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with a bit of oil or butter.
    2. Season the Chicken: Pat your boneless skinless chicken thighs dry, then coat them lightly in olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or Italian herbs.
    3. Sear for Flavor: Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned thighs smooth side down and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until they’re lightly golden.
    4. Make the Cream Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then pour in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer.
    5. Add Parmesan and Adjust: Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice for brightness.
    6. Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some cream sauce over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    7. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra parmesan before serving.

    Variation Tips:

    • For bone-in chicken thighs, increase baking time to 30–35 minutes.
    • Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for depth and variety.
    • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

    This step-by-step process ensures your Oven Baked Chicken Thighs stay juicy inside and slightly crisped outside, all wrapped in a decadent cream sauce.

    Serving and Pairing Suggestions

    When your Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce come out of the oven, the real fun begins—choosing what to serve alongside this comforting dish. The creamy, garlicky sauce pairs beautifully with sides that soak up its rich flavor, making every bite more satisfying.

    • Fluffy Rice or Buttered Noodles: Ideal for soaking up the sauce and enhancing the dish’s heartiness.
    • Mashed Potatoes: Offers a smooth, comforting counterpart to the garlic and parmesan.
    • Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and texture contrast.
    • Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the remaining cream sauce.

    Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy base and roasted chicken flavors.
    Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling water with lemon or an iced herbal tea provide a refreshing balance.

    Presentation Tip: Serve your Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce family-style in the same skillet. Garnish with herbs and cheese before bringing it to the table for an inviting, rustic appeal. The result is one of those Dinner Recipes Baked that never disappoint and always feel like a special occasion.

    Common Questions About Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce

    FAQs Based on Search Trends

    1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
      Yes, but reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes to prevent drying out. Thighs remain juicier, but breasts work perfectly for lighter versions.
    2. How do I thicken the cream sauce?
      Let the sauce simmer to reduce naturally, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) for quick thickening.
    3. Can I make this ahead of time?
      Yes. Complete the searing and sauce steps, refrigerate, then bake fresh at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes.
    4. How should I store and reheat leftovers?
      Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore smoothness.
    5. What sides go best with this dish?
      Pair with rice, buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for the perfect balance of hearty and fresh flavors.

    Conclusion — Bringing Comfort to the Table

    Few meals capture the charm of comfort cooking like Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce. It’s both indulgent and approachable—ideal for weeknights, weekends, or any moment that deserves something special. The tender chicken soaks up the creamy garlic sauce, creating a dish that’s rich without being overwhelming and elegant without being complicated.

    Whether cooking for family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Once you taste how satisfying it is, you’ll understand why it deserves a place in every rotation of Dinner Recipes Baked.

    Preheat that oven, grab your skillet, and get ready to savor the warm, comforting flavors of home with these Baked Chicken Thighs In Cream Sauce—a timeless reminder that simple, homemade meals are always the most rewarding.

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