Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a super simple, mouthwatering dinner that’s packed with flavor, these Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to. With juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and a burst of savory herbs, this recipe delivers big taste in just 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight lifesaver, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, and even impressive enough for date night. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: Ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: Seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices for irresistible taste.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy skin on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.
- Versatile: Pairs well with so many sides for any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses just a handful of affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients for Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. This ensures extra-crispy skin.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in the hot skillet. Sear for 6-7 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Flip the chicken thighs skin side up, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 14-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) (see chicken safety tips). If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a 400°F (205°C) oven for the last 5 minutes for even crispier skin.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes for the Best Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning blend and olive oil for up to 2 hours beforehand.
- Pat the chicken very dry to maximize skin crispiness—don’t skip this step! Learn why drying is important at Serious Eats.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if necessary to keep the skin crisp.
Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs Variations
- Lemon Herb: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and zest to the seasoning for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Spicy Cajun: Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun spice blend and add a pinch of cayenne.
- Honey Garlic: In the last 3 minutes, drizzle 2 tablespoons honey and 2 minced garlic cloves over the chicken.
Required Equipment for Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs Storage Instructions
Cool leftover chicken thighs to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to keep the skin crispy.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh arugula salad.
- Great alongside fluffy rice or buttered noodles for a comforting meal.
- For a low-carb dinner, serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
Pro Tips for Foolproof Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs
- Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution (here’s why).
- Don’t flip the chicken too soon—let it sear undisturbed for maximum crispiness.
- Always use a thermometer to check doneness and avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs FAQ
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Absolutely! Boneless thighs cook faster—reduce the cook time by about 4-5 minutes and skip the oven step.
- Can I make Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
- Yes, cook as directed and reheat in the oven to maintain crispy skin within 4 days.
- How do I know when my chicken thighs are fully cooked?
- They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and the juices run clear.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
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1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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3Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
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4Flip the chicken thighs and pour in the chicken broth. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
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5Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin, if desired. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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