Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Crispy, Juicy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
Golden-brown, crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside, Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe are the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. The sizzle of chicken hitting a hot pan, the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen, and that first perfectly seasoned bite—simple pleasures rarely taste this good. Chicken thighs have long been a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Unlike leaner cuts, they stay tender and flavorful even if slightly overcooked, making them wonderfully forgiving.
Cooking them in a skillet enhances their natural richness, delivering a crisp skin and deep caramelization that oven-only methods often struggle to achieve. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a cozy meal, skillet chicken thighs offer versatility, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup. With just a handful of pantry staples and a reliable pan, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a simple ingredient list for classic garlic-herb skillet chicken thighs. Calorie counts are approximate and based on standard serving sizes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) | 880 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 kcal |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 cloves | 13 kcal |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | 6 kcal |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | 4 kcal |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | 102 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 1 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Heat the Skillet
Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Sear Skin-Side Down
Lay the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook for 6–8 minutes without moving them. The skin should turn golden brown and crisp.
4. Flip and Add Aromatics
Turn the thighs over and reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the chicken repeatedly to enhance flavor and moisture.
5. Cook Until Done
Continue cooking for another 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Skillet chicken thighs adapt beautifully to different flavors and cuisines. Here’s how to make the dish your own:
Add a Sauce
Deglaze the pan with white wine, chicken broth, or lemon juice after removing the chicken. Simmer and whisk in a touch of cream for a quick pan sauce.
Go Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. A drizzle of hot honey at the end creates a sweet-spicy finish.
Mediterranean Twist
Incorporate olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired variation.
Herb Variations
Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning for a different aromatic profile.
Make It Low-Carb or Keto
Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed greens for a satisfying low-carb option.
Nutritional Information
Skillet chicken thighs provide a balanced combination of protein and healthy fats. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–300 kcal |
| Protein | 22–25 grams |
| Fat | 20–22 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 1–2 grams |
| Iron | ~10% Daily Value |
| Vitamin B6 & B12 | High |
Chicken thighs are particularly rich in iron and zinc, nutrients essential for immune support and energy production. The healthy fats from olive oil also contribute heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
Serving Suggestions
Skillet chicken thighs pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and nutrients.
- Rice or Quinoa: Perfect for soaking up flavorful pan juices.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens the richness.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into garlic-infused butter sauce.
For an elegant presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and serve directly from the skillet for a rustic touch.
Skillet Chicken Thighs: A Crispy, Juicy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes280-300
kcalIngredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat the Skillet:
- Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 6–8 minutes, until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Add Flavor:
- Turn the thighs over. Reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken repeatedly for added flavor.
- Cook Until Done:
- Continue cooking for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Dry skin = crispy skin: Always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between each thigh. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
FAQs
1. How do I get perfectly crispy skin on skillet chicken thighs?
Crispy skin starts with dry chicken. Pat the thighs thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. Cook them skin-side down in a hot skillet without moving them for at least 6–8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as excess moisture prevents proper browning.
2. Should I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deliver the most flavor and crispiness. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking. Boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to slice, but they won’t achieve quite the same crispy texture unless they still have the skin attached.
3. How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in a skillet?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs typically take about 20–25 minutes total. Boneless thighs usually cook in 12–18 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
4. Can I finish skillet chicken thighs in the oven?
Yes. After searing the skin side until crispy, transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. This method ensures even cooking, especially for thicker thighs.
5. What type of skillet works best?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and promotes even browning. A heavy stainless-steel pan also works. Nonstick pans can be used, but they won’t produce the same deep sear.
Conclusion
Skillet chicken thighs prove that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary results. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and deeply developed flavor come together in one easy pan, making this recipe a dependable go-to for busy nights and relaxed gatherings alike. Mastering this technique opens the door to countless variations, from herb-forward classics to bold, globally inspired flavors.
