Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making creamy oven-baked chicken thighs. Start with the chicken. Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor. The skin crisps up nicely in the oven. Next, you need heavy cream and chicken broth. The cream makes the dish rich. The broth adds depth. For flavor, you’ll use garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, and paprika. These spices blend well. They make each bite tasty. Don’t forget salt and pepper to boost all the flavors. Adding spinach is a great choice. It brings color and nutrients. Parmesan cheese is a lovely touch for extra creaminess and flavor. Finally, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds a fresh touch to your dish. Now that you have your ingredients ready, you're all set to create a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure it mixes well. - Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. - Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken thighs. Ensure they are well coated. - Sprinkle the chopped spinach evenly over the top. Gently press it into the sauce. - Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce. - Bake the dish in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through. - The skin should be golden and crispy. - After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. To get crispy skin on chicken, start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. Pat the skin dry before cooking. The dry skin helps it crisp up nicely. Bake at 400°F for the best results. If you want more flavor, try adding spices or herbs to the cream mixture. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream for a richer sauce or less for a lighter dish. When plating your chicken, use a nice, wide plate. Place the chicken in the center and spoon the creamy sauce over it. Add some spinach on top for color. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. For sides, consider steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. They pair well with the chicken and soak up the sauce. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken thighs. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Another mistake is using the wrong oven temperature. Always preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and crispy skin. Pro Tips Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Skin Crisping: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the creamy sauce. Fresh rosemary or oregano can elevate the flavor profile. Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste. If you prefer, use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and still stay juicy. You can also try different cheeses. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch and mild flavor. To boost flavor, think about adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. Both add a rich taste and texture to the dish. You can also mix in different herbs and spices. Basil, rosemary, or even a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the dish. If you're gluten-free, just check your broth label. Use gluten-free broth to keep it safe. For dairy-free options, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut-based cream. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative, ensuring everyone enjoys this meal. To keep your leftover chicken thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid smells and moisture. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing. This helps maintain its taste and texture. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers for safe storage. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the food. When you want to enjoy the chicken again, reheating is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in, so the chicken stays juicy. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. To refresh the creamy sauce, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in before serving for a smooth finish. If you want to freeze the chicken, let it cool completely first. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. For reheating, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can also use the microwave's defrost setting, but be careful not to start cooking it. After thawing, use the oven method to warm it up. You should cook chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F. The time may change based on the size of the chicken. Larger thighs might take a bit longer. Always check that the internal temperature is 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Mix the creamy sauce and coat the chicken thighs. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just bake it straight from the fridge. This makes dinner prep so much easier! You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - Mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce - Rice for a satisfying base - Salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast - A light wine or iced tea to drink These sides will make your meal even more delicious! This blog post covered how to make creamy oven-baked chicken thighs. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, cream, and broth. I shared tips for cooking, serving, and avoiding common mistakes. You learned how to customize the recipe with variations and proper storage methods. In the end, this dish is simple yet delicious. You can impress anyone with it. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!$

Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Deliciously creamy chicken thighs baked to perfection with spinach and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring the thighs are well coated.
Sprinkle the chopped spinach evenly over the top, then gently push it into the sauce.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, creamy, easy