Skillet Chicken Thighs

Juicy, tender, and extra crispy, these 3 ingredient Skillet Chicken Thighs are a busy weeknight dinner solution when you don't feel like breaking a sweat in the kitchen! They take just 5 minutes to prep before the skillet does all of the cooking.

Let’s face it, we all want to serve up meals that impress but don’t have the time or energy for complicated recipes. That’s where these Skillet Chicken Thighs come in! With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that feels special without any fuss.

Crispy, golden skin that crackles with every bite and juicy meat bursting with flavor, this recipe has only 3 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prep. It's all about simplicity and satisfaction with this dish, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Don't miss out on our other easy dinners! Hamburger Potato Casserole and Artichoke Chicken have been two recent recipes we can't get enough of when we're feeling too tired to cook!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner. This juicy chicken recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a great recipe for busy weeknights. The whole family will love it!
• Crispy and Flavorful. These skin-on thighs deliver an irresistible crispy texture and flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep. These thighs make for excellent meal prep options. Cook a larger batch and divide into containers with your choice of sides for ready-to-go meals throughout the week.
• Versatile. Customize these crispy chicken thighs by adding your favorite herbs or serving it with a variety of sides.

Laura Ashley's Pro Tip: The best part about cooking chicken thighs for the week, is they're a very affordable cut of protein the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card 

• Skin-on Boneless Chicken Thighs: The star of the recipe! The skin helps to lock in moisture during cooking, also providing a crispy outer layer that enhances flavor.
• Salt: A crucial element that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. I prefer Redmond Life Real Salt Ancient Fine Sea Salt.
• Seasoning Salt: This adds depth of flavor with a blend salt, black pepper and garlic. I prefer Livia's Seasoning Salt.
• Optional Additions: Fresh garlic cloves and rosemary adds aromatic and savory notes that elevate the overall taste, infusing the skillet with delicious flavors.

Tools You'll Need

• Roasting Pan, Large Skillet or Large Cast-Iron Skillet
• Kitchen Shears
• Cutting Board
• Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional)

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. If the thighs still have the bone, carefully remove it. Trim the skin to fit the size of the thigh, and discard the excess skin.

2. Season the skin side of the chicken thighs with salt. Gently lift the skin and season the flesh underneath with seasoning salt as well as the back of the thighs.

3. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in a cold non-stick skillet. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

4. Turn the heat to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes without flipping, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the skin renders properly.
5. Carefully flip the chicken thighs. If desired, add garlic and rosemary around the protein.

6. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes on medium high heat, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through. We prefer thighs closer to 175°F.
7. Once done, transfer the chicken from the skillet to a serving dish and arrange the garlic and rosemary around the dish or discard. 

Expert Tips

• Control the Heat on the Stove. Start cooking on medium-high heat to achieve a perfect crisp, but adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
• Other Thigh Cuts of Chicken. If you can’t find boneless, skin-on thighs, simply remove the bone from bone-in thighs with a good pair of kitchen shears.
• Fresh Herbs. Feel free to replace rosemary with fresh thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up. If you like a little heat, consider adding chili powder, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning salt.
• Add Bright Flavors. For a finishing touch, consider squeezing a little lemon juice over the chicken before serving to brighten the flavors. You could even lay lemon slices on top of the crispy skin once they're flipped.

What to Serve with Skillet Chicken Thighs

Skillet chicken thighs pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Our Cafeteria Noodles and Whipped Mashed Potatoes are our favorite starches to have it with. It's also great with fluffy rice. Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, Crispy & Garlicky Green Beans, or a fresh salad provides a refreshing balance.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality. Unfortunately, the crispy skin's texture will be compromised when re-heated.

If you want to store it for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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