Creamy Baked Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Crust – A Comfort Food Favorite

Introduction
Looking for a dish that’s both rich and satisfying? This creamy baked chicken with a crispy parmesan crust is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken thighs are topped with a creamy sauce, coated in a golden parmesan crust, and baked to perfection. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the creamy topping:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

For the crispy crust:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter 

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Topping

1. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.
2. Spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture over the top of each chicken thigh.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Crust

1. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the creamy topping, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
2. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use bone-in, skinless thighs for the juiciest chicken, but boneless thighs or chicken breasts also work well.
• To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before seasoning.
• For a gluten-free version, replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Conclusion
This creamy baked chicken with crispy parmesan crust is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy chicken, a rich sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Call to Action
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your photos on social media and tag us to showcase your delicious creation. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next dinner inspiration. Enjoy!