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Golden Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Golden Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs promise rich comfort from Mediterranean kitchens. Herbed cream sauce and tender meat create a delightful dinner that welcomes hungry diners to savor each memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Create an aromatic spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes to lock in flavors and create a golden crust.
  3. Flavor Building: In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized bits from the pan’s surface.
  4. Sauce Creation: Blend heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
  5. Oven Roasting: Arrange seared chicken thighs skin-side up in the sauce, partially submerging them. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Drizzle with the velvety sauce and serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to complement the dish.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Skin Crispiness: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum skin crispness and gorgeous golden-brown color.

Balance Sauce Thickness: Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream and cheese ratio – less cream creates thicker sauce, more creates lighter texture.

Prevent Dairy Separation: Simmer sauce gently and avoid high heat to prevent cream from breaking or developing unwanted grainy texture during cooking.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternative without compromising rich flavor profile.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 530
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg