Description
Discover our Comfort-Style Chicken for Cozy Nights. This tender, homestyle bake brings heartwarming flavor and simple comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Flavor Makers:
- 8 oz block full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- The Little Extras:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken:: First things first, pat those chicken thighs super dry with paper towels. Honestly, this step is crucial for getting a good sear, which means more flavor. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of that smoked paprika. You want them looking seasoned and ready for their moment in the pan. I usually do this on a cutting board, and yes, there are usually some rogue spice flecks around, but that’s just part of the kitchen chaos, right?
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a good drizzle of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place your chicken thighs in, skin-side down if they have skin, or just one side down if boneless/skinless. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and beautiful. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. I always get so excited when I see that gorgeous crust forming, it means flavor is building!
- Sauté the Aromatics:: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pan, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the chicken (that’s flavor!). Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant, and your kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine, I promise!
- Build the Creamy Sauce:: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring for about a minute to cook out that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly. Now, drop in the cream cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. This is where the magic happens for our Comfort-Style Chicken for Cozy Nights!
- Nestle and Bake:: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into that luscious sauce. Make sure they’re mostly submerged but still peeking out a bit. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven (I usually preheat to 375°F or 190°C while I’m doing the sauce). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly reduced. I always peek in, trying not to let too much heat escape, because I’m impatient like that!
- Finish and Serve:: Once your Comfort-Style Chicken for Cozy Nights is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the chicken to reabsorb its juices and the sauce to set a little more. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving. The vibrant green against the creamy sauce just looks so inviting. I love serving this straight from the skillet, it feels so rustic and warm. Get ready for some serious comfort!