This Baked Parmesan Chicken in Cream Sauce is a comforting and deeply flavorful dish that brings together tender dark meat chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and a balance of herbs and spices. Perfectly roasted until golden and broiled for a crispy finish, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and comforting: A creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of tender chicken
Deeply flavorful: Thanks to garlic, red onion, paprika, and fresh parsley
Golden and crispy: Oven-roasted with a final broil for irresistible skin
Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and holds well for serving
Versatile: Works with any chicken cut—bone-in or boneless
Minimal hands-on cooking: Most of the magic happens in the oven
Balanced: Cream and Parmesan richness is brightened with lemon and herbs
Budget-friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients
Great for meal prep: Reheats beautifully for leftovers
Kid-approved: Mild, creamy flavors that the whole family will love

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and/or thighs, excess fat trimmed)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning (or seasoning blend of choice)
2 tbsp butter
½ cup red onion, minced
½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

directions

1. Prepare the sauce
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced red onion and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Stir in chopped parsley and garlic, followed by lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
Add chicken stock and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, then pour in the heavy cream.
Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat to let the sauce cool slightly.

2. Season the chicken
In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and your chosen chicken seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Assemble and bake
Place the seasoned chicken in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the cooled cream sauce evenly over the chicken.
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Broil and finish
Once cooked through, switch the oven to broil and crisp the skin side of the chicken until golden brown.
Remove from oven, baste with the sauce, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 to 8
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: approx. 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken: Reduce baking time to about 50–60 minutes.
Add mushrooms or spinach: Sauté in the skillet before adding the sauce ingredients.
Make it spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
Use different cheeses: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Add breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs before broiling.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm in a covered dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of stock or cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to prevent drying. Use bone-in, skin-on for the best result.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

What’s a good substitute for Montreal chicken seasoning?

You can use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.

Is it necessary to broil at the end?

Broiling is optional, but it enhances the texture and adds a beautiful golden finish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast, but the flavor and texture will vary.

What can I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread all pair beautifully.

Can I reduce the fat content?

Use light cream or evaporated milk and trim all visible fat from the chicken.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes, just use a larger pan or two baking dishes to avoid overcrowding.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4, then broil the chicken separately for crispness.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The mild creamy sauce is well loved by children.

Conclusion

Baked Parmesan Chicken in Cream Sauce is a rich and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its creamy base, flavorful herbs, and beautifully roasted chicken, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re serving guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers on comfort and flavor every time.