Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

This easy chicken thigh recipe comes together in one skillet and makes a cozy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Serve these creamy chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or your favorite roasted vegetables to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

If you're looking for an easy way to make chicken thighs in the oven, this creamy version is one of my favorites!

Don’t miss our collection of easy family dinner recipes — fast, comforting, and kid-friendly! Also our new favorite Double Chocolate Mint Sundae dessert.

How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs

The baking time for chicken thighs depends on their size and whether you're using boneless or bone-in thighs. For this recipe, boneless chicken thighs are seared first and then baked at 375°F until the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to know when your chicken thighs are done because cooking time can vary from one piece of chicken to another.

For the most flavorful results, don't skip the initial searing step. Browning the chicken creates a delicious golden crust before the thighs finish cooking in the creamy sauce.

Can I Use Boneless or Bone-In Chicken Thighs?

This recipe is written for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they cook relatively quickly and stay tender in the creamy sauce.

You can also make this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Keep in mind that bone-in thighs will take longer to cook, so use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.

For boneless chicken thighs, choose pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

For the Chicken

• Chicken thighs: For these oven-baked chicken thighs boneless and skinless is the way to go. They cook much faster! We’re not looking for super crispy skin because it’s covered in the sauce anyway!
• Butter: Use unsalted butter because we’re adding salt ourselves. Not only to season the chicken but it’s also in the sauce and this way we can control the amount.
• Seasoning: Salute seasoning from Trader Joe’s or any poultry seasoning you have on hand. You’ll also need some salt and pepper to taste.

For the Cream Sauce

• Butter: Again, we’ll stick with unsalted butter. This time we’re going to use it to start the cream sauce by infusing the butter with delicious garlicky flavor.
• Garlic, finely chopped: The aromatic deliciousness that makes the sauce so tasty.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps thicken the sauce so that it coats the chicken nicely.
• Chicken broth & Heavy whipping cream: Together they are the liquids used to turn the sauce into a rich, creamy, flavorful mixture.
• Parmesan cheese: I always recommend freshly grated Parmesan, rather than the pre-shredded cheese from a container. It melts much nicer and has more flavor. You can also use Piave cheese, which is similar to Parmesan, but less pungent and sharp because it isn’t aged as long.
• Salt & pepper: To taste.
• Fresh dill: Chopped herbs for garnish adds a bright finish to this dish.

See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Thighs

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
• Don't skip the sear. It adds delicious flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
• Don't let the sauce boil too hard after adding the cream and Parmesan, or it can become grainy.
• Use an instant-read thermometer and cook the chicken to 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so it stays juicy.
• Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

These juicy chicken thighs are perfect for feeding a crowd. Find more family favorites in my Best 4th of July Recipes roundup.

Variations & Cooking Methods

There are a few easy ways to switch up these creamy chicken thighs depending on what you have on hand or how you like to cook.

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs

You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless thighs. They will take longer to cook, so use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F. The skin will also add extra flavor to the sauce.

Make It With Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts can be substituted for the thighs, although they are leaner and can dry out more easily. Choose pieces that are similar in size and check them early while baking to avoid overcooking.

Add Mushrooms or Spinach

For extra vegetables, sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before making the creamy sauce. You can also stir fresh spinach into the sauce near the end of cooking and let it wilt before serving.

Make It Extra Garlicky

Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two to the sauce. For even more garlic flavor, try serving the chicken with my Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Prefer a Different Cooking Method?

If you don't want to turn on the oven, try my Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs made in the air fryer for a quick and flavorful alternative.

For a simple oven-baked option without the creamy sauce, my Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are another easy weeknight favorite.

Turn It Into a Complete Dinner

Serve these creamy chicken thighs over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For another comforting chicken-thigh dinner with rice, try my Chicken Thighs and Rice.