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To make creamy oven baked chicken thighs, you need a few key items: - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These chicken thighs turn out juicy and rich. The heavy cream makes the dish creamy, while the Dijon mustard adds a nice kick. Garlic powder and onion powder give deep flavor, and paprika adds a touch of warmth. For seasoning, I use salt and pepper. They help bring out the chicken’s natural taste. You can adjust the salt to your liking. The garlic powder and onion powder work well together, creating a savory base. The paprika adds color and a hint of spice, enhancing the dish's overall flavor. To finish your dish, consider adding a few garnishes: - Fresh thyme sprigs - Zest of 1 lemon Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note. The lemon zest gives a bright flavor that lifts the creamy sauce. These garnishes make the dish more appealing and add extra taste. You can serve the chicken directly from the skillet or on a plate with a drizzle of sauce. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a bowl. Add 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Next, add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Toss in 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season this with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. You want the sauce to be well combined and flavorful. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Make sure your skillet is hot enough. Season the 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden and crispy skin. This step adds great flavor and texture. Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the creamy sauce over the top of the chicken. Make sure it covers the thighs well. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When done, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon zest. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices settle back in. Enjoy your creamy chicken thighs! To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream. Whisk it with Dijon mustard and seasonings. This mix gives you a rich taste. Don't skip the garlic powder and paprika. They add depth to the flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more tang, add a bit of lemon juice. This small change brightens the sauce. For crispy skin, heat olive oil in your skillet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown. This step seals in juices and creates a great texture. Flip the thighs gently to keep the skin intact. Then pour the creamy sauce over them to keep the skin crispy. After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices spread evenly. Resting keeps the meat moist and tender. Slice into the thighs too soon, and you'll lose those tasty juices. Serve with sauce drizzled on top for added flavor. Enjoy every bite of this creamy delight. Pro Tips Perfectly Crispy Skin: For the crispiest chicken skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing them. Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken thighs in the creamy mixture for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} You can change the creamy sauce to fit your taste. Instead of heavy cream, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both options give a nice tang. For a richer flavor, add some cream cheese. You can also swap Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a new twist. If you want more herbs, add fresh parsley or dill to the mix. You can easily cook these chicken thighs in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, season the chicken and pour the creamy sauce over it. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you use an Instant Pot, brown the chicken first, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes. Both methods make the chicken super juicy and tender. Feel free to play with herbs and spices. Try adding rosemary or basil for a fresh taste. For a spicy kick, use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for brightness. Each change can make your dish unique and exciting. Try different combinations to find your favorite flavor! To keep your creamy chicken thighs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing it. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Always label the container with the date to track freshness easily. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the skin crispy while warming the creamy sauce. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing works well. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they’ll last up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. The dish will still taste great. However, skin adds a nice crispiness. Without it, the texture will be softer. To keep flavor, consider cooking the chicken longer. You may also want to increase the seasoning. Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs pair well with many sides. Try these options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli - Steamed rice or quinoa - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch These sides balance the rich creaminess of the chicken. They add color and nutrients to your plate. To lighten this recipe, use low-fat yogurt instead of heavy cream. It gives a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, switch to coconut milk. It offers a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Use mustard and spices for flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed for thinner sauces. In this post, we explored how to make creamy oven-baked chicken thighs. We covered main ingredients, seasoning, and optional garnishes to elevate your dish. The step-by-step instructions ensure perfect results every time. I shared tips to achieve creaminess and great sear. Plus, we looked at tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can adapt this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and get creative with your flavors!

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Deliciously creamy and crispy chicken thighs baked to perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  • Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the creamy mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is covered well.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme and lemon zest for added flavor.
  • Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic feel, or plate with a drizzle of sauce.
Keyword baked, chicken, creamy, thighs