Juicy chicken thighs baked in a luscious, creamy tomato-mushroom sauce, finished with fresh thyme. It’s the ultimate comfort food — simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch, to lightly thicken the sauce)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 800 g boneless chicken thighs, halved
Vegetables & Flavor
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
- 40 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 ½ tsp dried)
Finish
- ½ cup cream (regular or light)
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set to 170°C fan (190°C regular). Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Paste
In the dish, stir together paprika, cumin, cornflour, salt, garlic, and olive oil until a thick paste forms.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add chicken thighs and toss until fully coated in the paste.
Step 4: Add the Flavors
Scatter mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Pour in chicken stock and sprinkle thyme on top. Stir gently.
Step 5: Bake (First Round)
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until chicken is golden and aromatic.
Step 6: Add the Cream
Remove from oven, stir in cream, and combine with juices.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return to oven for 5 minutes, until bubbling and slightly golden.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Garnish with basil if desired.
Time, Servings & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories (approx): 480 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ One-dish magic: Mix, bake, and serve in the same dish.
✅ Foolproof & juicy: Chicken thighs never dry out.
✅ Rich, savory flavors: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes & creamy sauce = irresistible.
✅ Impressive yet effortless: Restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
✅ Freezer-friendly: Great for family dinners or meal prep.
Tips for Success
- Cut thighs in half for even cooking & flavor.
- Add extra mushrooms if you love them — they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Rest before serving for a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Pair with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Lighten it up with milk or a light cream option.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, portioned. Defrost overnight.
- Reheat: Oven or microwave on medium, stirring occasionally.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Check breasts after 35–40 minutes.
No sun-dried tomatoes? Replace with tomato paste for depth.
Dairy-free? Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, flavorful dinners that feel fancy but are secretly effortless, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake will be your new favorite. Comfort food perfection every time.
