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Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish features juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection alongside sautéed mushrooms and crisp bacon. Garlic and fresh parsley add vibrant flavor throughout. The creamy parmesan sauce is gently simmered to coat the chicken, enriching each bite with savory depth. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying and comforting meal ideal for any evening.

Start by searing chicken to a golden crisp before roasting, then build the sauce in the same pan to capture all the flavors. This method ensures a rich and velvety coating that complements the tender meat and earthy mushrooms. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan and parsley finishes the plate with brightness and texture.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:20:15 GMT
A pan of creamy baked chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon. Save
A pan of creamy baked chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon. | lilicooks.com

This creamy baked chicken thighs recipe with mushrooms and bacon is a comforting dinner that brings rich flavors and satisfying textures to your table. It’s perfect for weeknight meals when you want something hearty but still easy to prepare. The sauce is silky and indulgent, creating a lovely balance with the crispy chicken skin and savory bacon.

I first made this after a friend shared their version, and now it has become a family favorite that I keep coming back to on chilly nights

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: bone-in and skin-on or off — skin on gives a crispy texture but skin off works for less fat
  • Olive oil: essential for searing chicken and building flavor
  • Garlic: crushed to release maximum aroma in both chicken and sauce
  • Fresh parsley: chopped for freshness and garnish
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: basic seasonings to enhance taste
  • Diced bacon: adds smoky richness that lifts the dish
  • Brown cremini mushrooms: bring earthy depth and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully
  • Heavy cream or half and half: creates the luscious, velvety sauce
  • Chicken broth: adds a subtle savory background
  • Freshly grated parmesan: melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:
Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet on medium-high. Place chicken skin-side down and cook until the skin becomes crisp and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and sear the other side similarly. This step locks in flavor and texture.
Roast the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Carefully pour out half of the juices left in the pan but leave enough for the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet over medium heat, add crushed garlic to the reserved chicken juices and stir until fragrant, about one minute. Add the diced bacon and fry until it starts to crisp. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften as they release their moisture.
Finish the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for about two minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with freshly ground black pepper and taste before adding extra salt, since the bacon is already salty.
Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken thighs back to the skillet and let everything simmer together for one to two minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the creamy sauce flavors. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and freshly shaved parmesan. Serve alongside rice, pasta, or your choice of steamed or grilled vegetables.
A dish of chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon. Save
A dish of chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon. | lilicooks.com

I love the combination of crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms in this dish. One family dinner, my kids devoured it and asked for seconds before I even touched my plate. That moment really sealed this recipe as a must-make in our house.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a low oven or on the stove to avoid breaking the sauce. You can freeze portions before adding the fresh parsley garnish. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms work well too. For a dairy-free sauce, swap the cream for coconut cream and omit the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. Turkey bacon can be a lighter option instead of pork bacon.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. A fresh green salad can lighten the meal for warmer days.

Chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon in a creamy sauce. Save
Chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon in a creamy sauce. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Creamy baked chicken dishes are a staple in American home cooking, often combining simple ingredients for a rich but accessible meal. The melding of crispy pork bacon and earthy mushrooms into a creamy sauce is a technique many European cuisines embrace, making this a comforting fusion that pleases a wide range of palates.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken thighs work best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the best flavor and crispy texture, but skinless or boneless can also be used if preferred.

→ Can I use different mushrooms in place of cremini?

Yes, button mushrooms or shiitake make great alternatives and will add their own unique earthiness.

→ How do I make the cream sauce thicker?

Whisk cornstarch with a bit of cream or half and half and stir it into the sauce while simmering to thicken it smoothly.

→ Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing crisps the skin and locks in juices, enhancing both texture and flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.

→ What sides pair well with this creamy chicken dish?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta are all excellent choices that complement the rich, savory sauce perfectly.

→ Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?

Smoked pancetta or ham work well as substitutes and will preserve the smoky, savory notes.

Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs

Tender baked chicken thighs with mushrooms, crispy bacon and a silky cream sauce.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves (6 chicken thighs)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on or skin-off
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, crushed
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 Kosher salt, to taste
06 Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Cream Sauce

07 4 cloves garlic, crushed
08 7 ounces diced bacon
09 14 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
10 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
11 1/2 cup chicken broth
12 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 Salt, optional and to taste
15 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
16 Freshly shaved or grated Parmesan, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small jug, combine olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture thoroughly over the chicken thighs to coat.

Step 02

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is crisp and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 03

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour out half of the juices remaining in the pan.

Step 04

Using the same skillet, fry the crushed garlic in the reserved juices over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced bacon and cook until just beginning to crisp. Add mushrooms and sauté until softened.

Step 05

Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with freshly ground black pepper and, if needed, salt after tasting.

Step 06

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and shaved Parmesan. Serve alongside rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Tips

  1. For a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cream until smooth and stir into the simmering sauce, cooking until thickened.
  2. When using half and half, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1-2 tablespoons extra half and half; add this to the sauce while stirring to thicken.

Required Tools

  • Large ovenproof skillet or pan
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing jug for oil mixture

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and pork

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 33 g