Baked Chicken Thighs in Cream Sauce Recipe

4.80 from 15 votes

Baked Chicken Thighs in Cream Sauce Recipe

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

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: baked chicken thighs, chicken thighs in cream sauce

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs cook 5 minutes less)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated freshly grated parmigiano cheese Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season each thigh with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down, until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add tomato paste and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream and cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, placing them in the sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Notes

Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality chicken thighs and fresh ingredients. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken thighs to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay juicy.
Proper Seasoning: Season the chicken generously with a well-balanced blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. This ensures that each bite is flavorful.
Hot Searing: Sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan with olive oil to achieve a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds a delicious texture to the skin.
Aromatics: Incorporate aromatic ingredients like minced garlic early in the cooking process. Sautéing them releases their flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Deglazing the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with chicken broth. Scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom adds depth to the sauce.
Creamy Sauce Balance: Achieve a balanced and velvety sauce by slowly incorporating heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
Oven Temperature: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature (375°F or 190°C) before transferring the skillet. Consistent heat ensures even cooking and a crispy skin.

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