Description
This Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs baked to perfection with a crispy skin and topped with a rich, creamy Parmesan ranch sauce. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish brings together comforting flavors with minimal prep and a straightforward baking method.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Drizzle with olive oil, then evenly coat with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the cream sauce carefully over the chicken thighs, avoiding 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), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any extra creamy sauce over each serving for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps to achieve crispy skin.
- Avoid pouring the sauce directly on the skin to keep it crisp.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Broiling is optional but highly recommended for a crispy finish.
- Leftover sauce can be reheated gently and served as a gravy or pasta sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
