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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The chicken thighs give the dish a rich flavor. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth and moisture. These three main ingredients work together perfectly. Next, we have the additional ingredients. Olive oil helps to cook the garlic. Garlic brings a lovely aroma and taste. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Dried thyme brings herbaceous notes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens the dish as a garnish. Make sure to measure everything out. It will save time later and ensure perfect results. Each ingredient plays a key role in your creamy oven-baked chicken thighs. Now you’re ready to cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. In a skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not burn. 3. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth. This creamy mixture will coat the chicken and add flavor. 1. Take a baking dish and arrange 4 chicken thighs skin-side up. Make sure they fit well without crowding. 2. Pour the creamy mixture around the chicken. Ensure the thighs are coated but not submerged. This helps keep the skin crispy while cooking. 3. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This tells you the chicken is safely cooked. 1. For crispy skin, turn your oven to broil. Broil the chicken thighs on high for 3 to 5 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. 2. After broiling, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. 3. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and freshness. Serve the chicken on a platter with extra creamy sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy! To make sure your chicken thighs stay creamy, use heavy cream. This thick cream makes a rich sauce. Mix it well with chicken broth and seasonings. This blend keeps the sauce smooth and tasty. The best internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. This step ensures you cook the chicken safely and perfectly. Pair your creamy chicken thighs with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. These sides complement the dish and add color to your plate. For a fresh touch, serve with a salad or steamed broccoli. To impress your guests, use a large platter for presentation. Arrange the chicken thighs with the creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a bright finish. This simple touch makes the meal feel special and inviting. Pro Tips Perfect Browning: For even better flavor, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet for 3-4 minutes before baking to achieve a golden, crispy skin. Flavor Infusion: Marinate the chicken in the creamy mixture for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more succulent bite. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of creamy oven-baked chicken thighs. Try using different herbs and spices. For a fresh twist, add rosemary or oregano. These herbs give a lovely aroma. If you want a kick, use cayenne pepper. This spice adds heat without overpowering the dish. Another option is to substitute for lighter cream options. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This change will lower the fat but still keep a creamy texture. Coconut milk also works well for a dairy-free version. It adds a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory chicken. You can also switch the chicken thighs for boneless ones. Boneless chicken cooks faster. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bake boneless thighs for about 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adding vegetables to the mixture makes this dish even better. You can add carrots, potatoes, or green beans. Toss them in the creamy sauce before baking. This addition creates a one-pan meal. Plus, the veggies soak up all the delicious flavors. To store creamy chicken thighs, first let them cool down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to add some of the creamy sauce on top. This helps keep the chicken moist. You can also use a glass dish with a lid. These containers work well for keeping flavors intact. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the chicken moist and helps with creaminess. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring often, to keep the sauce creamy. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs. The dish may be less juicy. Thighs have more fat, which adds flavor. If using breasts, check them often to avoid drying out. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, it’s also a good sign. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Both options will add creaminess. If you want a lighter taste, try plain yogurt. Just mix it well with broth before adding. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can make it dairy-free! Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream. Make sure to add some cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This keeps the creamy texture you love. This blog post outlines a rich and tasty creamy chicken thighs recipe. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken and cream to seasonings like garlic and thyme. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, baking, and finishing your dish. We explored tips for perfect texture and serving ideas. You learned about variations to make the recipe your own and how to store leftovers. Use these insights to create a dish that impresses. Cook with confidence, and enjoy sharing this meal with others. Your kitchen adventures await!

Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Deliciously creamy chicken thighs baked to perfection with a flavorful sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth.
  • In a baking dish, place the chicken thighs skin-side up. Pour the creamy mixture around the chicken, ensuring the thighs are not submerged but well coated.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For a crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs on high for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, chicken, creamy, thighs