Description
This Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked to perfection with a rich ranch and garlic seasoning, topped with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. The balance of crispy skin and creamy sauce creates a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 to 1.5 tbsp)
- 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) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then season thoroughly with the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the greased baking dish to ensure the skin crisps up nicely while baking.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add Sauce: Pour the cream sauce gently over the chicken thighs, making sure to avoid covering the skin so it can stay crispy during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is safely cooked through.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve by spooning the extra cream sauce over each portion for added richness.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the skin crisp better.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the cream and Parmesan mixture briefly before adding it to the chicken.
- Feel free to substitute the ranch seasoning mix with your favorite spice blend.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
