– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Creating your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is a breeze when you follow these straightforward steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for better browning. This step makes a significant difference in texture.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this blend evenly over the chicken thighs.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
5. Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until well mixed.
6. Combine: Pour the cream mixture over the chicken thighs in the skillet once seared.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Baste: Halfway through the cooking time, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken thighs to keep them moist.
9. Garnish: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
With these steps, your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs will emerge from the oven perfectly cooked and ready to wow your dinner guests!