Introduction
Cooking flavorful and satisfying meals at home can be simple and rewarding. This recipe for oven-roasted chicken thighs features a rich and creamy sauce made from bone broth and Parmesan cheese, ensuring that every bite is infused with deliciousness. With easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup bone broth
⅔ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Follow these steps to create a flavorful dish that highlights the succulent chicken thighs bathed in a creamy sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion. Enjoy the cooking experience and the delectable aroma that fills your kitchen!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3. Season the Chicken
Generously season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides for flavor.
4. Sear the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped small onion and whole garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to brown.
6. Add Thyme
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of thyme and stir the mixture until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7. Incorporate Bone Broth
Pour in 1 cup of bone broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor.
8. Mix in Heavy Cream
Whisk in 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until fully combined with the broth.
9. Add Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir in ⅔ cup of shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, whisking to ensure it melts and combines smoothly with the sauce.
10. Return Chicken to Skillet
Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Ensure they are nestled within the sauce.
11. Roast in Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink at the bone.
12. Serve the Chicken
Once cooked, spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs and serve topped with additional fresh Parmesan or herbs, if desired.
Notes
Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with boneless thighs if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Bone Broth
Using high-quality bone broth enhances the overall taste; however, chicken broth or stock can be used as an alternative if bone broth is unavailable.
Parmesan Cheese
Grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block often yields a better texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crusty bread is also ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Cook techniques
Searing
Searing is a technique that involves cooking the surface of the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with oil to create a golden-brown crust. This locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
Sautéing
Sautéing onions and garlic involves cooking them in a small amount of fat over medium-high heat. This technique releases their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Whisking
Whisking is used to combine the bone broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese smoothly. It helps to integrate the ingredients thoroughly, creating a creamy sauce.
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting cooks the chicken thighs evenly while allowing the skin to crisp up. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
Finishing
Finishing the dish involves spooning sauce over the roasted chicken and adding additional toppings like fresh Parmesan or herbs for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they will cook faster.
What can I substitute for bone broth?
You can substitute bone broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken thighs?
Searing is recommended for better flavor and texture, but if you prefer to skip this step, you can place the chicken directly in the oven.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère, but the flavor profile will change.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
This simple yet delicious recipe for chicken thighs combines rich flavors with a creamy sauce, offering a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The use of bone-in, skin-on chicken ensures tenderness and moisture, while the combination of garlic, onion, and thyme elevates the overall taste. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the dish, creating a truly delightful experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Salmon
Use the same herb seasoning (thyme) with salmon fillets and roast them in the oven for a healthy alternative.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
Toss your choice of vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese before roasting.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts and add sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Incorporate the creamy sauce from this recipe over cooked fettuccine pasta for a comforting meal.
Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Stuff chicken thighs with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and garlic, then follow the same cooking process for a flavorful twist.
Bone Broth Soup
Use the leftover bone broth as a base for a hearty vegetable or chicken soup.
