Name: Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, dried with paper towel; 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning from Trader Joe’s or any poultry seasoning of your choice; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese or Prieve cheese; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons finely chopped dill for garnish (optional)

If you’re searching for that perfect holiday dinner that’s both comforting and impressive without keeping you in the kitchen all day, this Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is an absolute winner. I’ve made this dish more times than I can count during the holidays because it’s incredibly easy to pull together, yet the creamy garlic sauce makes it feel special and indulgent—just what you want on a festive table.

One thing I truly love about this recipe is how the chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, soaking up that luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a few or a crowd, this recipe scales beautifully and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to add “Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe” to your holiday menu rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but work in perfect harmony to create that rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. Grab quality chicken thighs for the best results, and don’t skimp on fresh garlic and Parmesan—you’ll really notice the difference.

Chicken thighs: I always use skinless and boneless to keep things simple and mess-free, and drying them with a paper towel helps the seasoning stick better.
21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: I love Trader Joe’s 21 Salute for depth but you can use your favorite poultry seasoning blend.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors, so don’t be shy here.
Unsalted butter: For richness in both the chicken cooking and the sauce—don’t swap it for margarine if you can help it.
Garlic (finely chopped): Fresh garlic is key—adds that wonderful aromatic layer to the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce just right.
Chicken broth: I always go for low-sodium homemade or store-bought to control the saltiness.
Heavy whipping cream: This makes the sauce silky and decadent—whole milk just won’t do the trick here.
Parmesan or Prieve cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a tangy, savory punch that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Dill (finely chopped, optional): I sprinkle this on at the end for a fresh, herby note that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—cooking is all about enjoying the process and the results that make you happy.

Add mushrooms: I’ve added sliced cremini mushrooms before to give the sauce an earthy depth; they soak up the cream beautifully.
Diet-friendly tweak: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese to make this recipe keto and dairy-free friendly.
Herbs switch-up: Try substituting dill with thyme or rosemary for a more traditional Christmas flavor profile that’s equally delicious.
Spice level: For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the sauce—I like to balance creaminess with subtle heat.

How to Make Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken Thighs

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—that extra step helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning. Sprinkle your 21 Salute seasoning (or your choice), salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. Then, in a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them some space to get that nice crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside—don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; the oven will do the rest.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Into the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and a generous 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic. Cook gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth, and then add ½ cup of heavy whipping cream. Let this bubble gently until the sauce thickens, stirring often to keep it silky. Finally, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—this sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t hold back on seasoning here.

Step 3: Bake Everything Together

Nestle those seared chicken thighs back into the creamy sauce, spooning some sauce on top to coat each piece generously. Pop the skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer everything to a baking dish—the key is gentle, even cooking in the oven to finish the thighs and marry flavors.

How to Serve Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh dill—the bright, slightly citrusy note lifts the creamy sauce wonderfully. If you don’t have dill, chopped parsley or a few microgreens work nicely too. Plus, a quick dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving adds an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside simple, hearty sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic add a nice contrast and freshness that balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas dinners, I love plating this in deep white bowls so the creamy sauce pools around the chicken—a visual and spoon-worthy delight. Another fun way is to serve it family-style right from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves; it adds a cozy, communal vibe to the meal that’s perfect for the holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the chicken stays tender and the sauce keeps its creaminess for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to prevent any sogginess or flavor loss.

Freezing

Freezing this creamy chicken isn’t my favorite because the sauce can separate a bit, but if you need to, freeze it in portions with extra space in airtight containers. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, it still tastes great—just give it a gentle stir when reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming the chicken slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook the chicken, which can make it dry.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs will add more flavor but will require a longer baking time—about 30-35 minutes at 375°F. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe and delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday crowd?

Yes! The Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe can be easily multiplied to feed more people. Just use a larger baking dish or multiple skillets, and adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken a day ahead, then assemble and bake it just before serving. This saves time on the day of your gathering and keeps everything fresh and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For dairy-free versions, coconut cream is a good substitute but will add a slight coconut flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to cook the sauce gently over low to medium heat and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added. Stir often to keep it smooth and silky.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Christmas Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is a little holiday gem I keep coming back to because it’s approachable, rich in flavor, and delivers a comforting, festive feel with every bite. If you’re like me and want a dish that feels fancy but doesn’t steal all your time or energy during the holidays, give this a try. I promise it will bring smiles around the table and maybe even a few hugs. Happy cooking!