If you’re on the lookout for a comforting yet elegant dish to serve this holiday season, the Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is a true gem. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a dreamy, cheesy sauce that feels like a warm hug right from the oven. I love making this when I want something fuss-free but still impressive for guests or family dinner.

What makes this Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe so special is how it hits all the right notes without overwhelming your kitchen or your schedule. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to nail this—it’s straightforward, and the flavors just come together beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate basic chicken thighs into a creamy, comforting meal that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe really lies in how simple ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each one plays a role in building the creamy texture and the savory punch that makes this recipe so memorable. When shopping, fresh herbs and good-quality Parmesan can really up your flavor game.

Chicken thighs: I prefer skinless and boneless for easy eating and quicker cooking, but skin-on can add extra crispiness if you like.
21 Salute Seasoning: This Trader Joe’s blend is my go-to for poultry, but any poultry seasoning works well for that comforting herbal note.
Butter: Unsalted is best here so you can control the saltiness precisely.
Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic adds so much depth; don’t skip it or use pre-minced if you’re in a pinch.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, making your sauce beautifully creamy without clumps – just be sure to cook it a bit to avoid that raw taste.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you want more control over salt levels in the sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: This gives the sauce its luscious, velvety body — full-fat is best for richness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Prieve cheese adds that salty, nutty complexity I can’t live without.
Dill: Optional but I love it for a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the creaminess nicely.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings — taste as you go!

Variations

One of the best parts about this Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. I often play around with herbs and spices or even swap the cheese to match my mood or ingredients on hand.

Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap dill for fresh thyme or rosemary for a more earthy, festive touch. It changes the flavor but keeps the cozy vibe.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve tried making this with coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy yet dairy-free alternative. It’s surprisingly good and just as comforting.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a lovely warming heat that complements the richness without overpowering it.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before baking for extra nutrients and texture variety.

How to Make Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs with Seasoning and Butter

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and prevents sogginess. Sprinkle them evenly with the 21 Salute Seasoning or your favorite poultry seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Then, melt butter in a warm skillet and sear the chicken thighs just until lightly golden on each side—this step locks in juices and builds a flavorful base. Don’t overcook here because they’ll finish baking in the oven.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (waste not, want not!), add a bit more butter and sauté your finely chopped garlic until fragrant—just about a minute. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly to form a roux; this cooks out the raw flour taste and will thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the heavy whipping cream. Let the sauce gently simmer until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Stir in your grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Place your seared chicken thighs into a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce evenly over them. This layering ensures each bite is coated in that gorgeous sauce. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you like, sprinkle the chopped dill over the top just before serving to add a fresh contrast to the richness.

How to Serve Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh dill because it adds a pop of color and a subtle brightness that cuts perfectly through the creamy sauce. Sometimes I also add a little extra freshly grated Parmesan on top for that cheesy wow factor just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken is fantastic paired with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta—both soak up the sauce beautifully. For a lighter contrast, I often serve it alongside roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I sometimes bake this in small individual ramekins for a festive, personal touch. Another fun idea is to serve it over a bed of garlic butter noodles and garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-style experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to let the dish cool before storing to avoid sogginess, then reheat gently for best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times without any loss in quality. Just wrap it securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. When freezing, I recommend leaving out fresh herbs—they’re better added fresh when serving later.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to keep it moist. Microwave works for quick meals but can make the sauce separate a little. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating brings it back to creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more forgiving during baking, chicken breasts will work too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the breasts don’t dry out—usually about 20-25 minutes in the oven should do it.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

You can easily make this Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just whisk it in carefully to avoid lumps!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake when you’re ready to eat. This makes it super convenient for busy holiday cooking.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth or cream during cooking or reheating. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken up.
Is the 21 Salute Seasoning essential?

Not at all! It’s a flavorful blend I love but any poultry seasoning or a simple mix of thyme, sage, salt, and pepper will work great. The key is to season well for that festive flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my home precisely because it’s simple but feels special. It’s perfect for days when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending ages in the kitchen. I promise, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it for not just Christmas but any time you want that cozy creamy goodness. Give it a go—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!