Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Delight in these Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, featuring tender and juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky creamy Parmesan sauce. A festive and comforting dish perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For Chicken Thighs
- 5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, dried with paper towel
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe’s or any poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese or prieve cheese, finely grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dill, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Thighs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly with 21 Salute Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pat them dry to ensure crispiness during baking.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in ½ cup of heavy whipping cream. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle finely chopped dill over the top for a fresh, aromatic garnish if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Skinless, boneless thighs provide juiciness and ease of eating, but bone-in can be used for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if your broth or cheese is salty.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring ingredients and ease of cooking from stovetop to oven.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: chicken thighs, creamy chicken, oven baked chicken, Christmas chicken recipe, Parmesan cream sauce, easy holiday dinner