Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs (Printer-Friendly)
Tender chicken thighs baked with mushrooms and bacon in a rich creamy parmesan sauce.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
→ Fats and Oils
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
3 ounces diced bacon
→ Vegetables
04 -
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, crushed
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dairy
07 -
3/4 cup heavy cream
08 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Liquids
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Seasonings
10 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, crushed garlic, half of the parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
02 -
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. Pour off half the pan juices, leaving some for the sauce.
03 -
Return skillet to medium heat. Add crushed garlic to reserved juices and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced bacon and cook until it begins to crisp.
04 -
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and their moisture has evaporated.
05 -
Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with black pepper and adjust salt if necessary.
06 -
Return chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to absorb sauce flavors. Garnish with remaining parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Searing the chicken skin until crisp locks in juices and adds texture.
02 -
Adjust salt cautiously since bacon adds saltiness.
03 -
To thicken sauce further, blend cornstarch with cream and stir into sauce while simmering.
04 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.