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Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
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There’s nothing more satisfying than crispy, golden chicken thighs cooked in just one skillet. This easy skillet chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy meat, a flavorful creamy pan sauce, and minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or simple entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 6 chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds), bone-in, skin-on recommended

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 small shallot, minced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken on both sides.

  3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 7–8 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 15–25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate.

  5. In the same skillet, add butter, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  6. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  7. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Crispy skin: Always start with dry chicken and a hot skillet.

  • Chicken choice: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicier and crisp better, but boneless thighs work too (cook time will be shorter).

  • Cream substitute: Half-and-half works well; whole milk or coconut milk can be used in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/skillet-chicken-thighs-recipe/