These Italian-style easy-baked chicken thighs in a creamy sauce are flavorful, juicy, and perfectly served over rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!

You will also love my simple baked chicken thighs and chicken in mushroom sauce.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll love this delicious Italian-style baked chicken thighs recipe in a creamy sauce.

• Rich Italian Flavors: The combination of dried oregano, basil, and paprika brings a burst of authentic Italian flavors to the dish, creating a satisfying and savory taste.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken Thighs: Searing the chicken thighs before baking ensures a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender, providing the perfect texture in every bite.
• Creamy Tomato-Based Sauce: The creamy sauce, made with a blend of heavy cream and tomato paste, adds a luscious and velvety texture to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and providing a delightful sauce to coat the chicken.

You’ll also love my Roasted Chicken Recipe, Stuffed Chicken Breasts, and Chicken in Mushroom Sauce.

Simple Ingredients

This is one of those easy recipes you will make repeatedly! This recipe is easy to prepare without compromising taste.

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): Chicken thighs provide a juicy and flavorful base for the dish, with the bone and skin adding richness to the overall texture with the crispy skin.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the taste of the chicken, providing a balanced and savory flavor profile.
• Dried Oregano: A staple herb in Italian cuisine, dried oregano adds a robust, earthy aroma and taste.
• Dried Basil: Another classic Italian herb, dried basil contributes a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, enhancing the overall herbal notes.
• Paprika: Paprika introduces a subtle smokiness and a mild heat level, complementing the other spices and adding depth to the seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken, olive oil imparts a rich and fruity flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste serves as the base for the sauce, providing a concentrated tomato flavor and a natural thickening agent.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element, infusing the dish with a savory depth.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the liquid base for the sauce, imparting a savory and umami flavor while deglazing the pan.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce, creating a luxurious and velvety consistency.
• Parmigiano Cheese: Grated cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor, enhancing the sauce’s creaminess and providing a savory umami boost.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil serves as a garnish, adding a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness to the finished dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh Italian parsley complements the flavors with its bright and herbaceous notes, adding freshness.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs in Sauce

Quick Preparation: These basic steps and oven-baking methods make this recipe a convenient choice for a delicious and satisfying meal without spending excessive time in the kitchen.

Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Substitutions

Here are some potential substitutions you can consider based on ingredient availability or dietary preferences:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: If you don’t have dried oregano or basil, you can use Italian seasoning as a convenient substitute. It typically contains a blend of dried herbs, including oregano and basil.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for regular paprika if you want to add a smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Variations

• White Wine Reduction: Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the chicken broth. The wine adds a subtle acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate freshly grated lemon zest into the sauce for a bright and citrusy kick. This adds a refreshing element to the richness of the dish.
• Caprese Style: Season with basic Italian seasoning, then top the baked chicken with fresh mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of baking. Garnish with fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet is one of my favorite saute pans.

Storage

These chicken thighs in the sauce will last in the fridge for about 4 days. You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 5 months. Freeze the sauce separately from the baked chicken thighs.

To freeze, use a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

FAQs

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Serving Suggestions

What pairs well with baked chicken? This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Here are some delicious side dishes for this easy dinner recipe.

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