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Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs: 40 Minutes to Pure Comfort


  • Author: Yale Zapata
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs are flavorful and crispy, cooked in a creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken thighs (about pounds), bone-in skin-on preferred
  • 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
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  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 for another 15–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  5. Add butter, shallot, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and crispiness. Boneless thighs cook faster.
  • Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes covered with foil, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep the skin crispy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 131 mg

Keywords: Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs