Welcome to a delightful journey of taste and texture with our Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that will melt your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a feast with friends, this recipe promises a touch of gourmet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipments
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and helps develop that lovely golden crust you can’t resist. As your oven starts to warm up, you have time to gather your ingredients and prepare them for the dish.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up during baking, while seasoning it enhances the flavor, making each bite mouthwatering.
Step 3 – Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until deeply golden. This step not only locks in the juices but also brings out a deep flavor that forms the base of the dish.
Step 4 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, mustard, and minced garlic. This creamy concoction will envelop the chicken, giving it a silky texture and rich taste. Ensuring every component is well-integrated makes each ingredient shine through in the final dish.
Step 5 – Assemble Everything
Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-covered. Sprinkle fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese on top. The thyme lends an aromatic freshness, while the Parmesan adds a hint of umami, deepening the flavor profile.
Step 6 – Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened. Baking melds the creamy sauce with the chicken, infusing it with deep layers of flavor that are truly divine.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnish your creamy baked chicken thighs with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for added color and flavor. Serve hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttery green beans for a complete meal. For a lighter option, try a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure your creamy baked chicken turns out perfectly, use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73.9°C). Also, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or basil for different flavor variations.
High-Protein Twist on Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re on a high-protein diet, consider adding more chicken or incorporating legumes as a side dish to boost the protein content. Additionally, a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top before serving can add both crunch and extra protein.
Low Carb Gourmet: Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
For those watching their carb intake, you can keep this chicken dish low-carb by serving it with zoodles or roasted cauliflower rice. These alternatives maintain the gourmet allure of the dish while keeping it health-friendly.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. You can also freeze the dish for up to two months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can thicken the sauce by adding a slurry made from cornstarch and water while the dish is baking. Stir it into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken breasts. However, be mindful that breasts may require a shorter cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
3. Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Indeed, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble and bake just before serving.
4. What can I use if I don’t have dijon mustard?
You can swap dijon mustard with a teaspoon of regular mustard and a dash of lemon juice as an alternative.
5. How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a burst of flavor.
Embrace the Creamy Delight of Baked Chicken
This creamy baked chicken thighs recipe is a wonderful dish to share with loved ones, offering a satisfying and heartwarming dining experience. Don’t forget to share your culinary adventure on social media and leave a comment on your twists and successes with this recipe!
Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- heavy cream
- garlic
- chicken broth
- dijon mustard
- olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- fresh thyme leaves
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken, skin side down, for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Pour prepared sauce over it, add thyme and Parmesan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly.