Description
This creamy oven baked chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken cooked in a luscious, flavorful cream sauce. With a blend of savory spices and herbs, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner. The chicken is marinated to enhance flavor, baked until golden and crispy on the outside, and served with a rich creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
Marinade & Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Arrange Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up into a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Baste: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the sauce from the baking dish to infuse extra flavor and moisture into the meat.
- Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful oven baked chicken thighs!
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness but at least 30 minutes is sufficient for good taste.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs to retain moisture and achieve crispy skin.
- Monitor closely when broiling to avoid burning the skin.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy sauce.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with cream sauce, crispy skin chicken
