Creamy, Golden & Comforting Straight From the Oven
Few dinners are as reliably satisfying as Baked chicken thighs covered in melted cheese and baked in a rich cream sauce. This Cheesy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is simple, bold, and deeply comforting — the kind of meal that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort.
Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned generously, baked in heavy cream for moisture, and topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden finish. It’s low-carb friendly, family-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Recipe Overview
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
Diet Style: Low-Carb | Keto-Friendly | High-Protein
Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients and Their Purpose
Richness, Tenderness & Flavor
2½–3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Dark meat stays juicy and tender during baking.
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Adds richness and helps seasoning adhere.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Savory depth without moisture.
1 teaspoon onion powder
Balances garlic and enhances flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika
Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Creates rich pan sauce and keeps chicken moist.
1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend)
Provides gooey melt and golden topping.
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Adds saltiness and helps browning.
Optional: chopped parsley
Fresh contrast to richness.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl (optional for tossing)
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Simple Steps, Big Flavor
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly with:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Toss or rub to coat thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Pour heavy cream around (not directly over) the chicken.
This allows:
- Chicken tops to brown
- Bottom to stay juicy
- Sauce to form underneath
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over chicken.
Top with grated Parmesan.
Ensure even coverage for uniform melting.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered 35–40 minutes until:
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Cheese is melted and golden
- Cream is bubbling around edges
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for deeper browning.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Spoon pan sauce over chicken when plating.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Chicken: Tender, juicy, flavorful
Top: Golden, bubbly, slightly crisp cheese
Sauce: Rich, creamy, savory
Flavor: Garlic-forward with mild smoky paprika
Common Problems & Fixes
Too watery:
Chicken released moisture — bake slightly longer uncovered.
Cheese browns too fast:
Lower oven rack or tent loosely with foil.
Sauce too thick:
Add splash of warm broth.
Not enough browning:
Broil briefly at end.
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
Serving Ideas
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Cauliflower mash
- Buttered green beans
- Zucchini noodles
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze up to 2 months (cream texture may slightly change).
Reheat:
Warm gently at 325°F or microwave in short intervals.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 420–500
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 2–4 g
Fat: 32–38 g
(Varies by cheese quantity.)
Why This Recipe Works
- Chicken thighs remain juicy
- Heavy cream creates built-in sauce
- Mozzarella provides melt factor
- Parmesan enhances browning
- High oven temperature ensures golden finish
It’s rich, comforting, and extremely reliable.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Chicken Thighs is the kind of recipe that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and endlessly adaptable.
Creamy. Golden. Satisfying.
A comfort dinner that never disappoints.
