Name: Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Optional: fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dinner that promises irresistible crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat in just one pan, these Skillet Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite! With a perfect blend of spices and a crackly sear that would make any chef proud, this dish transforms humble chicken thighs into a weeknight marvel. The combination of golden skin, herby undertones, and zesty garnishes brings both comfort and a pop of freshness to any meal.

Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Skillet Chicken Thighs might seem simple on its own, but together they create a symphony of textures and flavors. From the deep savoriness of the meat to the punchy paprika and thyme, every addition here matters—so gather your favorites and let’s bring this mouthwatering dish to life!

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the juiciest results and that crispy skin you crave.
Olive Oil: Just enough to coat the pan and help the skin render out golden and crunchy.
Salt: Essential for deep flavor; don’t skimp, as it seasons the meat all the way through.
Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and balances out the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the meat with savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Paprika: Adds beautiful color as well as a gentle smokiness to every bite.
Dried Thyme: A sprinkle of this herb enlivens the dish with freshness and slight earthiness.
Onion Powder: Delivers sweet umami notes and rounds out the spice blend wonderfully.
Fresh Herbs & Lemon Wedges (optional): Perfect for garnish—think parsley, thyme, or a spritz of lemon for brightness at the end.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Let’s kick things off by patting your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this little trick is what gets that skin extra crispy. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and onion powder. The balanced mix of herbs and spices wakes up the flavor in every bite of Skillet Chicken Thighs.

Step 2: Sear for Crispy Skin

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sear, undisturbed, for 6 to 7 minutes. The less you fuss with them now, the crisper and more evenly golden the skin will get—trust the process!

Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once the skin is beautifully golden, flip each thigh and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid, letting the chicken cook through for about 15 to 18 minutes. This steam-trapping step ensures the meat stays juicy while the skin remains crisp, which is the hallmark of perfectly cooked Skillet Chicken Thighs.

Step 4: Let It Rest

During the last few minutes of cooking, remove the lid to help any extra liquid evaporate and allow the skin to crisp back up. Once done, let the chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes off the heat—this gives the juices time to redistribute, so every piece stays moist and tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the finished Skillet Chicken Thighs on a platter and, if you like, shower them with minced fresh herbs and lemon wedges. For an extra flourish, try spooning a little of the pan sauce or deglazing the skillet with white wine or chicken broth for bonus flavor.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Bright, fresh garnishes lift the savory richness of the chicken. A sprinkle of chopped parsley, a few thyme leaves, or a squeeze of lemon makes each bite pop and adds a restaurant-worthy touch to your homemade Skillet Chicken Thighs.

Side Dishes

Pair these juicy chicken thighs with sides that soak up the glorious pan juices—think buttery mashed potatoes, a rice pilaf, or roasted seasonal veggies. The crispy skin also plays nicely with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Skillet Chicken Thighs on a bed of wilted spinach, atop creamy polenta, or arranged family-style with generous lemon wedges and extra pan sauce for drizzling. For an elegant twist, plate them individually with a swoosh of herbed yogurt or zesty aioli beneath.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, let any leftover Skillet Chicken Thighs cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing much of their juicy appeal.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, these thighs freeze quite well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating with parchment if needed. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for a future no-stress dinner.

Reheating

To bring those Skillet Chicken Thighs back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy, about 15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for extra crunch or gently warm in a covered skillet, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skin-on thighs will work, though you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature and aim for succulent, juicy results.

Can I substitute other spices?

Yes—feel free to swap in your favorite herbs and spices. Smoked paprika, rosemary, or even a touch of chili powder can add fun twists to your Skillet Chicken Thighs without compromising texture.

How do I avoid dry chicken?

Keep a close eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). Letting the thighs rest after cooking also helps lock in juices, ensuring each bite is wonderfully moist.

What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?

You can use foil to loosely cover the pan while cooking, which will trap enough steam to finish the chicken gently and keep it tender inside.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Definitely! Once you flip the chicken, you can nestle quick-cooking veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or thin green beans around the thighs to roast in the pan juices—a delicious one-skillet meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making these Skillet Chicken Thighs enough—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, they never disappoint! Don’t be surprised if this easy, flavor-packed recipe becomes a staple you turn to whenever you need a little dinnertime magic.

Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and juicy skillet chicken thighs with a crispy skin, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. This easy weeknight dinner is a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional: fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear without moving for 6–7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
Cook the Chicken: Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and continue cooking for 15–18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the lid for the last few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to reduce. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.