Description
This Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs recipe offers juicy, tender chicken thighs baked to perfection with a flavorful ranch and garlic seasoning, topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. The skin crisps up beautifully while the sauce adds a delicious, indulgent touch, making it a comforting and easy dinner option for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Drizzle them with olive oil, then season evenly with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the greased baking dish, making sure they have some space around them for even cooking.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until thoroughly mixed to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Sauce: Pour the cream sauce over and around the chicken thighs carefully, avoiding pouring directly on the skin to keep it crispy during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute. Serve by spooning the creamy sauce over each piece for a rich finish.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispy skin.
- Avoid pouring cream sauce directly on the skin to maintain crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broil at the end as desired for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Chicken thighs can be boneless if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
