Hey y’all! If you’re craving irresistibly juicy chicken with golden, crackly skin, this Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs recipe is absolutely for you. It’s the ideal dish for casual weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Achieves ultra-crispy, golden-brown skin every time.
- Full of bold, savory flavor with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Quick prep and simple steps make it weeknight-friendly.
- Versatile for serving with a variety of sides and sauces.
- Easy to make ahead for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How to Make Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or loose skin for extra crispiness. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season the chicken thighs on both sides, gently pulling back the skin to season underneath as well.
Step 2: Preheat and Sear
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer. Cook without moving for 10-12 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. If needed, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Flip the chicken thighs so they’re skin-side up, add the butter to the pan, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and juices run clear.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon a little of the flavorful pan juice over each piece and enjoy that unbeatable crispy skin!
Notes & Cooking Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Dry skin is key for crispiness—press firmly with paper towels before seasoning. Learn more about why dry skin matters from Serious Eats.
- If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet skin-side up for roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs: 3 Delicious Variations
- Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a kick.
- Lemon-Herb: Mix 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs and zest of 1 lemon into the seasoning blend.
- Honey Garlic: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 minced garlic clove in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Required Equipment for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re-crisp in a 400°F (205°C) oven for best results. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months and reheat from frozen in the oven.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
- Serve atop a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.
- Try with a side of classic mac and cheese or garlic bread.
Pro Tips for the Best Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken; see these guidelines.
- Let chicken rest after cooking so juices redistribute and keep it moist.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking. Check out marinade inspiration here.
FAQ: Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Can I use boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe?
- You can, but bone-in, skin-on thighs yield the crispiest results and best flavor. Adjust cook time down by 5-7 minutes if using boneless.
- Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?
- No, any heavy oven-safe pan works, but cast iron helps achieve the crispiest skin.
- What if my chicken skin isn’t crisping?
- Make sure the skin is thoroughly dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan to allow moisture to evaporate.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
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2In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and onion powder.
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3Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, then season generously with the spice mixture on both sides.
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4Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
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5Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25-28 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfect crispy chicken thighs!
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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