Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dinner? This Skillet Chicken Thighs recipe is just what you need. With golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, these chicken thighs are cooked in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. The rich, creamy sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh thyme brings everything together perfectly. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. The crispy chicken skin, paired with the juicy interior of the chicken thighs, creates a perfect balance of textures. The easy-to-make sauce, made from chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh thyme, adds a rich depth of flavor. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s quick to make and doesn’t require many ingredients. Plus, the one-pan cooking method makes this dish even more convenient for busy nights.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious skillet chicken dish:

• 6 chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds), bone-in, skin-on

• 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating both sides.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 7-8 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 15-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it cook for a couple more minutes to heat through.

5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken warm with the creamy sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the skillet to cook along with the chicken for a complete meal.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to replace the heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to retain the crispy skin.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be aware that they will cook faster and may not be as juicy as thighs.

2. Can I make this dish without the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

4. Can I add potatoes to this dish?

Yes, you can add potatoes. Just cut them into small pieces and add them to the skillet before cooking the chicken. Sauté them until tender before adding the chicken to the pan.

5. How can I make the chicken skin even crispier?

Make sure to dry the chicken thighs thoroughly before cooking, as moisture will prevent the skin from getting crispy. Also, ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken.

6. Can I make this dish in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat before serving. Just store the components separately.

7. Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of cast iron?

Yes, you can use any large skillet, but cast iron tends to give the best sear and crispy skin. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to hold all the chicken thighs.

8. Can I skip the shallot in the sauce?

Yes, you can skip the shallot or substitute it with a small amount of onion or garlic if you prefer.

9. How do I reheat the chicken without losing the crispiness?

To keep the skin crispy when reheating, use the air fryer or oven. Reheating in the microwave can cause the skin to become soggy.

10. Can I make this recipe with bone-in, skinless chicken thighs?

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs will work, but they won’t be as juicy or crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time as well.

Conclusion

These Skillet Chicken Thighs are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich, creamy sauce come together in just one pan for an easy meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit!