Name: Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 26 reviews

This Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe is the kind of weeknight dinner magic everyone dreams about—crispy, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. With just the right balance of bold flavors and comforting textures, this dish manages to feel both casual and sophisticated at the same time. It’s a reliable favorite whenever you want a meal that feels special (but is secretly simple), and you won’t believe how quickly it comes together!

Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the cast of characters that make this Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role in building up the depth, color, and aroma that make you want to reach for seconds. Get ready for aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and of course, golden, crackly chicken skin you’ll want to sneak bites of while cooking.

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are not just affordable—they also turn meltingly tender and develop the crispiest skin in the skillet.
Garlic powder: Melds into the chicken for big flavor even before the fresh garlic enters the sauce.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness to the seasoning rub.
Paprika: Brings a touch of color and a subtle warmth to the chicken’s crust.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for highlighting all the flavors in the dish—don’t be shy when seasoning!
Olive oil: Helps create that initial golden sear and keeps the chicken from sticking.
Butter: Lends richness to the sauce and helps the shallots and garlic become beautifully fragrant.
Shallot: A mild onion that melts into the sauce and adds a mellow sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic turns aromatic as it cooks, making the sauce utterly addictive.
Chicken broth: The base of the sauce—use homemade or your favorite store-bought brand for a flavor boost.
Lemon juice: A splash of tangy lemon brightens and balances the creaminess.
Fresh thyme: A couple of sprigs go a long way, adding herbaceous notes to every bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For just a hint of gentle heat that won’t overpower the other flavors.
Heavy cream: Just enough to give the sauce its signature rich, silky texture.
Freshly chopped parsley: A pop of green and freshness right before serving; don’t skip this final flourish!

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Dry and Season the Chicken

Start by grabbing your chicken thighs and patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing moisture from the skin makes all the difference in achieving that irresistible golden, crispy finish. Next, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Give the mixture a quick stir, then liberally rub it onto both sides of each chicken thigh so every inch gets that punchy, savory flavor. This seasoning step is your ticket to a truly memorable Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Crispiness

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin side down. The sizzle you hear? Pure happiness. Let them cook undisturbed for 7 to 8 minutes, which helps create that signature crisp. Flip the thighs and continue cooking for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin has reached peak golden perfection. Transfer the finished chicken to a plate—don’t worry, they’ll return shortly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and melt a tablespoon of butter right into the same skillet (no need to wash it, those flavorful brown bits are gold). Toss in the minced shallot and garlic, letting them get fragrant for about a minute. Now pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The aroma will instantly tell you you’re in for something special. Stir well to bring all those flavors together, then reduce the heat to low and add in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 4: Return and Finish the Chicken

Slide the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them right into the luscious sauce. Spoon some of that sauce over the top, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley, and let the chicken warm through for another minute or two. The chicken absorbs all that garlicky, herby richness—this is when the magic truly happens. Serve warm, straight from the pan, with plenty of sauce on the side.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—its brightness cuts through the creamy sauce and adds a burst of freshness to each bite. For a little extra zing, a wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add their own splash if they crave more citrus.

Side Dishes

This Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Think silky mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or egg noodles to catch every drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp green salad all make wonderful partners that let the chicken shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken straight from the sizzling skillet for a family-style meal that feels rustic and inviting. For a dinner party twist, plated individually with a swirl of sauce and a scatter of microgreens feels instantly upscale. You can even slice the chicken and pile it into a warm crusty baguette, drizzled with sauce for an unforgettable sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce together so the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

You can freeze both the chicken and the sauce! Once fully cooled, place portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest, crispiest results, reheat the chicken thighs in a covered skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce back over the top as it warms. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose some of the skin’s crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs in this Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster but still soak up all the flavors of the sauce. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking since they’re thinner and can dry out more quickly than bone-in cuts.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter sauce?

You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free alternative. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still perfectly delicious.

Can I make this Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Simply store them separately, then reheat and finish the chicken in the sauce just before serving so everything stays perfectly tender and flavorful.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

If you’re out of fresh thyme, dried thyme works well—use about a third of the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Other herbs like rosemary or tarragon would be lovely substitutes as well!

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—it ensures perfect juiciness without any guesswork.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe strongly enough—it’s the ultimate proof that cozy, flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. The next time you need something spectacular (without the stress), give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you!