Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast? This Creamy Baked Chicken with White Sauce is about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken thighs swimming in a luxuriously rich, velvety sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a meal that looks like it took hours to prepare but comes together in less than 45 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the onions and garlic are ready, push them to the side of the skillet and place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add extra flavor to your dish.
- Pour the heavy cream over the chicken and onions in the skillet, ensuring that the chicken is mostly submerged in the creamy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the creamy baked chicken with white sauce over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Skin-Searing Secret: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing.
- Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the cream sauce before baking.
- Flavor Boosters: Try adding a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 267kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 191mg
