Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The main star here is the chicken thighs. They give you juicy meat with crispy skin. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a rich sauce. Garlic adds a nice kick, while Dijon mustard gives depth. Thyme and smoked paprika bring out great flavors. - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) Spinach adds color and nutrition. Parmesan cheese gives a wonderful cheesy finish. You can use fresh parsley to make the dish look even better. It adds a pop of green that brightens your plate. - Baking dish - Mixing bowl - Whisk A baking dish is essential for cooking your chicken. A mixing bowl helps you combine all your sauce ingredients. A whisk makes it easy to blend everything smoothly. Having these tools ready makes the cooking process much easier and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting that perfect crispy skin on the chicken. While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix together one cup of heavy cream, one cup of chicken broth, three cloves of finely minced garlic, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk to combine everything until it's smooth and creamy. Next, take four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and lay them in a baking dish. Make sure they are skin side up to achieve that nice crispiness. Once the chicken is arranged, pour the creamy sauce over each thigh. Use a spatula to ensure each piece is well coated. Now, take one cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach and sprinkle it over the top of the chicken. Press the spinach gently into the sauce so it cooks nicely and adds flavor. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin looks golden brown. After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about five minutes before serving. This resting period is important as it helps the juices stay inside the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. To get the best flavor in your creamy oven-baked chicken thighs, seasoning is key. Use salt and pepper generously. The smoked paprika adds depth. You can even try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. For crispy chicken skin, place the thighs skin-side up in the baking dish. This allows the skin to brown nicely. Bake them at 400°F for the right amount of time. Avoid covering the dish to keep the skin crispy. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on the time and use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and tough. Another mistake is skipping the resting period after baking. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite juicy. For a great presentation, serve the chicken thighs on individual plates. Drizzle some of the creamy sauce over each piece. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. For sides, consider steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. These pair well with the richness of the chicken. You can also serve a simple salad for a fresh contrast. Pro Tips Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs retain moisture and flavor during baking, resulting in a juicier dish. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to customize the herbs and spices based on your preference; rosemary or oregano can be great alternatives to thyme. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more succulent. Make it a Meal: Serve with sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. {{image_4}} You can change up the recipe to fit your needs. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. This adds a nice, rich flavor without dairy. You can also use almond milk, but it may not be as creamy. For herbs and spices, feel free to mix and match. Try oregano or rosemary instead of thyme. Each herb brings its own unique taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experiment to find your favorite blend! If you want a different cooking method, try using a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender chicken. This method keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Grilling is another fun option. Marinate the chicken in the creamy sauce first. Then, grill the thighs over medium heat until cooked through. This gives a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the dish. For side dishes, I recommend serving creamy oven-baked chicken thighs with steamed veggies. Broccoli or green beans work great! Creamy mashed potatoes also make a fantastic pairing. They soak up the sauce well. When it comes to sauces and dips, a tangy yogurt sauce adds a nice contrast. You can mix plain yogurt with lemon juice and herbs. This brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. To keep your creamy oven-baked chicken thighs fresh, store them properly. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the chicken thighs to an airtight container. You can add the sauce to keep it moist. - Refrigeration tips: Place the container in the fridge. Your leftovers will stay good for up to 3 days. - Freezing guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for about 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. - Best practices for reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and warm. - Microwave reheating tips: If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid drying it out. Knowing how long your food lasts is important. - Duration for refrigerated leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for best taste and safety. - Time frame for frozen storage: If you freeze the chicken, it will be safe for about 3 months. For the best flavor, try to eat it sooner. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to bake chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C). The key is to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. To ensure juicy meat, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This lets the juices settle back into the meat, making it tender and tasty. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so check them after 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to make sure they reach 165°F (74°C). Boneless thighs may not be as crispy, but they will still soak up the creamy sauce well. This option can be great for a quicker meal. There are many tasty sides to pair with creamy chicken thighs. Here are a few great options: - Steamed seasonal vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement well. - Creamy mashed potatoes: Their smooth texture matches the creamy sauce beautifully. - Rice or quinoa: These grains can soak up the sauce, adding flavor to every bite. - Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. - Salad: A fresh salad adds lightness to the meal. Feel free to mix and match these sides for a delightful dinner! This recipe covers everything for tasty creamy chicken thighs. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, cream, and broth. Topping ideas included spinach, Parmesan, and parsley to enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking methods and tips for the best texture. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking. Lastly, explore variations and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family with your skills!$

Creamy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

A delicious and creamy chicken dish baked to perfection with spinach and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
optional Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot when you're ready to bake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth.
Lay the chicken thighs in a baking dish, placing them skin side up for optimal crispiness. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is generously coated with the sauce.
Evenly distribute the chopped spinach over the top of the chicken thighs. Gently press the spinach into the sauce to ensure it cooks and infuses flavor into the dish.
Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce, giving it a rich, cheesy topping.
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the skin is beautifully golden and crispy.
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps to keep the juices inside.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken thighs on individual plates, drizzling a generous spoonful of the creamy sauce and spinach mixture over each piece. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Keyword baked, chicken, creamy, parmesan, spinach