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Perfectly seared easy skillet chicken thighs, golden brown and juicy, served with roasted vegetables.

Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Savor the ultimate weeknight dinner with these skillet chicken thighs, featuring incredibly crispy skin and a rich, creamy pan sauce. This one-pan meal is simple, elegant, and ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs, ( (about 1 1/2 pounds)*)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small shallot, (minced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Freshly chopped parsley, (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch cast iron is ideal)
  • Tongs
  • small bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, on both sides.
  3. Heat a large cast iron to medium heat and add the olive oil.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and cook, until skin is crispy about 7 to 8 minutes, flip chicken thighs and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes or until internal temp is 165 degrees. The time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your thighs. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  5. Add the butter, shallot, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until sauce thickens up a bit.
  6. Place the chicken back in the pan with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the chicken warm with the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 19gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Pro Tip: For the crispiest skin, ensure the chicken thighs are patted completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Don't crowd the pan to allow for proper searing, not steaming.
Substitutions: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you don't have fresh thyme, use about ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to help re-crisp the skin.
The nutrition information is a mix of data provided in the article and estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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