Description
These Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs baked with a rich and velvety Parmesan ranch cream sauce. The dish balances crispy skin with a luscious sauce perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz or 28 g)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
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 to remove excess moisture, then drizzle with olive oil. Season evenly with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are spread out evenly for proper cooking.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and smooth.
- Add Sauce: Gently pour the cream sauce over the chicken thighs, carefully avoiding pouring it directly on the skin to keep it crispy during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices. Spoon any remaining creamy sauce over each serving before serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispy skin.
- Do not pour cream sauce on the skin to keep it crisp while baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broiling step enhances skin crispiness but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover sauce pairs well with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.