The oven fogged up. A buttery scent drifted through the kitchen, thick with garlic and cheese. I leaned in, hungry from the smell alone. That’s the magic of creamy oven baked chicken thighs. They feed more than your stomach. They feed a craving for warmth, for richness, for the kind of meal that makes everything slow down just a little.
This simple, satisfying recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and about 45 minutes in the oven. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for a Sunday supper. And with juicy chicken in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a meal everyone looks forward to.
Let’s get right into it.
Table of Contents
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs – A Comfort Food Classic
Creamy oven baked chicken thighs combine juicy, golden-seared meat with a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. The result? A dish that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy.
The total cook time clocks in at about 55 minutes from start to finish. Prep is only 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and filling with minimal fuss.
If you love creamy dishes like Creamy Ranch Chicken, this one’s about to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (patted dry)
- 1 tsp 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or Piave cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1 – Season and Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Start by patting your chicken dry. This helps it brown better. Then season each thigh with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Don’t crowd the pan—do this in batches if needed. Once browned, set them aside.

Step 2 – Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add your chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, stir in the flour. Cook for another minute while stirring—it’ll start to form a thick paste.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly so no lumps form. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens a bit.
Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season again with salt and pepper, and let it gently bubble until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 3 – Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Add the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over each one so they’re nicely coated.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or extra cheese if you like. The sauce will bubble around the edges, the chicken will be golden, and the whole thing will smell like dinner perfection.
Pro Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Dry your chicken before seasoning. This gives you that golden sear.
- Sear in batches if your pan is small. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of browning it.
- Love mushrooms? Toss in sliced mushrooms after the garlic and sauté them before adding flour.
- Out of chicken broth? A dry white wine works beautifully in its place.
- No heavy cream? You can use half and half, but the sauce will be a little thinner.
Want a lighter twist? Try pairing this recipe with simple roasted veggies or a crisp salad. If you’re in the mood for richness, mashed potatoes or Oven Baked Chicken Thighs make great companions.
Quick Recipe FAQs
How long to bake boneless chicken thighs at 375°F?
Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Searing first helps keep them juicy.
Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but your sauce will be a bit thinner. For a richer texture, stick with heavy cream if you can.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Easy & Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy chicken thighs baked in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This cozy dish is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (patted dry)
1 tsp 21 Salute Seasoning (or any poultry seasoning)
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
2 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or Piave cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season chicken thighs on both sides with seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tbsp butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add flour and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in chicken broth; stir until sauce thickens.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Return chicken thighs to skillet, coat in sauce.
9. Bake in oven uncovered for 30–35 minutes until fully cooked.
10. Garnish with fresh dill and more cheese if desired.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best browning.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet while searing.
Add mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Swap broth with white wine for extra depth.
Use half-and-half if needed; sauce may be thinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 583
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 626mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 212mg
More Such Recipes
If you love creamy chicken dishes, don’t miss:
Each brings something special to the table—and they all pair well with weeknights.

Final Thoughts
Creamy oven baked chicken thighs hit that perfect spot between simple and satisfying. The seared chicken, the silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, and that golden finish from the oven—it’s the kind of dish that feels a little special without trying too hard.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or a star rating to let me know how your kitchen smelled when it came out of the oven.
You can also connect with me on Pinterest or Facebook for more everyday meal ideas.