Name: Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs; 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil; sea salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 sprigs rosemary; 1 lemon

Transform your weeknight dinners with this crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe. With perfectly seasoned chicken thighs cooked to golden-brown perfection, complemented by the aroma of rosemary and the zest of lemon, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. It's simple yet packed with flavor.

Photos of Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

When heading to the supermarket, make sure you grab fresh rosemary sprigs and a juicy lemon. If you don't already have sea salt and freshly ground pepper in your pantry, these will also be crucial for seasoning the chicken thighs to perfection.

Ingredients for Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs: Essential for this recipe, providing juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin.

Vegetable oil: Used to sear the chicken and achieve a perfect crispiness.

Sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Freshly ground pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Rosemary: Fresh herbs that infuse the chicken with a fragrant aroma.

Lemon: Adds a bright, acidic note that complements the savory chicken.

One reader, Harcourt Huey says:

This crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer! The skin turns out perfectly crispy, and the rosemary and lemon add a delightful flavor. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!

Harcourt Huey

Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Thighs

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the skillet inside.

How to heat oil in a skillet: Pour the vegetable oil into a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet and heat it over high heat until it shimmers.

How to season chicken: Generously sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground pepper over the chicken thighs to enhance flavor.

How to chop rosemary needles: Remove the rosemary needles from the sprigs and finely chop them to evenly distribute over the chicken.

How to slice a lemon: Cut the lemon into thin slices to place between the chicken thighs for added flavor.

How to cook chicken in a skillet: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the heated skillet, cook for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-high and continue cooking for 10 minutes.

How to transfer a skillet to the oven: Carefully place the hot skillet into the preheated oven to continue cooking the chicken.

How to flip chicken: Use tongs or a spatula to turn the chicken thighs over, ensuring the skin side is up before returning the skillet to the oven.

How to check if chicken is cooked through: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or the juices run clear when pierced.

How to rest chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute.

How to serve hot: Plate the chicken thighs and spoon the pan juices over the top before serving.

How To Make Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Enjoy these savory skillet chicken thighs with a delightfully crispy skin, seasoned with rosemary, salt, and pepper, then fried and baked to perfection!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6chicken thighs,bone-in
1tbspvegetable oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2sprigsrosemary
1lemon,thickly sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Heat the oil over high heat in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the skin side down in the skillet.
Cook for 2 minutes and reduce heat to medium-high.
Chop the rosemary needles and sprinkle it over the chicken. Add the lemon slices between the thighs.
Continue cooking on medium-high for 10 minutes.
Place the skillet into the preheated oven and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
Flip the chicken over, skin side up, and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove from the oven, spoon juices over top, and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 453.70kcal
Fat: 34.54g
Saturated Fat: 8.94g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.12g
Carbohydrates: 2.12g
Fiber: 0.66g
Sugar: 0.25g
Protein: 32.11g
Cholesterol: 189.14mg
Sodium: 482.04mg
Calcium: 24.25mg
Potassium: 426.50mg
Iron: 1.54mg
Vitamin A: 47.09µg
Vitamin C: 5.49mg

Pro Tip for Achieving Extra Crispy Chicken Skin

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken skin, make sure the chicken thighs are as dry as possible before seasoning and cooking. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin render its fat and become crispy when seared in the skillet.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the chicken thighs to save time.

Use pre-chopped herbs: Buy pre-chopped rosemary to avoid chopping it yourself.

Lemon zest instead of slices: Use lemon zest instead of slices to distribute flavor quickly and evenly.

One-pan method: Cook everything in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Season in advance: Season the chicken the night before to enhance flavor and save time on the day of cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for achieving crispy skin and juicy meat.
chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: These will also provide a crispy skin and can be cooked similarly, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can withstand high heat and adds a richer flavor to the dish.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for frying.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it an easy swap.
freshly ground pepper - Substitute with cracked black pepper: Cracked black pepper provides a similar level of heat and flavor complexity.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can withstand high cooking temperatures.
rosemary - Substitute with sage: Sage offers a slightly different but complementary flavor that pairs well with chicken.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding brightness to the dish.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a similar tangy note, though it is more potent, so use sparingly.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange each chicken thigh on a small, elegant plate to highlight the crispiness and golden-brown skin.
Use decoration: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and thin lemon slices to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Highlight textures: Place the chicken thighs on a bed of lightly sautéed vegetables or mashed potatoes to contrast the crispy skin with a smooth, creamy base.
Drizzle with sauce: Spoon the pan juices over the chicken just before serving to enhance the flavor and add a glossy finish.
Add a touch of acidity: Serve with a small wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze over the chicken, balancing the richness with a burst of citrus.
Use elegant plating: Utilize a minimalist approach with clean lines and ample white space on the plate to draw attention to the chicken as the star of the dish.
Incorporate height: Stack the chicken thighs slightly or place them at an angle to create visual interest and dimension on the plate.
Finish with a flourish: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper over the top just before serving to enhance the final presentation and flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crispy Chicken Thighs

Oven: Used to preheat to 450 degrees F and cook the chicken thighs to perfection.
12-inch cast-iron skillet: Essential for searing the chicken thighs and transferring them to the oven.
Stove: Used to heat the skillet and cook the chicken thighs before transferring to the oven.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken thighs without piercing the skin.
Knife: Needed to chop the rosemary needles and slice the lemon.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the rosemary and slicing the lemon.
Measuring spoon: Used to measure out the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Spoon: Useful for spooning the juices over the chicken after cooking.
Plate: For letting the chicken rest after removing it from the oven.
Pepper grinder: For freshly grinding pepper to season the chicken.
Sea salt: For seasoning the chicken thighs.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken thighs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the chicken thighs, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chicken thighs can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight. To maintain the crispy skin, reheat the thighs in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and warmed through.
If you want to store the leftover lemon slices and rosemary, place them in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be used to flavor other dishes or as a garnish for future meals.
To maintain the best quality and flavor, consume the stored or frozen chicken thighs within the recommended time frames. Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed chicken, as this can affect the texture and quality of the meat.

How To Reheat Leftover Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

The best way to reheat leftover crispy skillet chicken thighs is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.
Another option is to reheat the chicken thighs in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken thighs in the basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the chicken thighs in the microwave. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is heated through. However, keep in mind that the skin may not be as crispy as it would be if reheated in the oven or air fryer.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe because it retains heat well and ensures even cooking.

Is Making Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs at Home Cost-Effective?

This crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like chicken thighs, vegetable oil, rosemary, and lemon, the total cost remains low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Given the simplicity and deliciousness of the dish, the overall verdict rating is a solid 8 out of 10.

Is This Chicken Thigh Recipe Healthy or Not?

The crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to the high-fat content from the chicken skin and the use of vegetable oil for cooking. The recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as rosemary and lemon, which provide antioxidants and vitamin C. However, the overall nutritional value could be improved by making a few adjustments.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Remove the chicken skin to reduce the overall fat content
Use a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, instead of vegetable oil
Increase the amount of rosemary and add other herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor and nutrients
Serve the chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of the rendered chicken fat to create a flavorful sauce

By incorporating these changes, you can enjoy a tasty and more nutritious version of the crispy skillet chicken thighs recipe. Remember, moderation is key, and this dish can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when paired with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.

Editor's Opinion on This Crispy Chicken Thigh Recipe

This recipe for crispy skillet chicken thighs is straightforward yet flavorful. The high-heat sear ensures a beautifully crispy skin, while the rosemary and lemon add aromatic depth. Cooking in a cast-iron skillet enhances the dish with even heat distribution. However, consider adding garlic cloves for extra flavor complexity. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Overall, it's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Enhance Your Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy goodness of potatoes infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the crispy texture of your chicken thighs, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures on your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Add a touch of savory crunch to your meal with Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and tossed with crispy bacon. The slight bitterness of the sprouts paired with the smoky, salty bacon will elevate your chicken to new heights.

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pecans: For a refreshing and nutritious side, try a quinoa salad mixed with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. The nutty flavor of quinoa combined with the tartness of cranberries and the richness of pecans will provide a delightful contrast to the savory chicken thighs.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your meal with a velvety butternut squash soup. The natural sweetness of the squash and the creamy texture of the soup will create a comforting and satisfying pairing with your crispy chicken.

Apple and Fennel Slaw: Add a burst of freshness with a crisp apple and fennel slaw. The sweet and tangy apples combined with the anise-like flavor of fennel will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory chicken thighs.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Crispy Chicken Thighs

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken: Imagine a golden-brown chicken infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: This zesty lemon and garlic infused chicken is cooked to perfection in a rich butter sauce. It's a delightful blend of tangy and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Rosemary Balsamic Chicken: A delightful combination of earthy rosemary and sweet balsamic glaze, this chicken dish is both elegant and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken: Sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze coats tender chicken thighs, creating a mouthwatering dish that's both simple and sophisticated. Serve with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts: Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy herb crust, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture. It's a perfect main course for any dinner table.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushrooms and remove the stems. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant, then mix with cream cheese and parmesan. Fill the mushroom caps with this creamy mixture and top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly, and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Bruschetta: Create a delightful bruschetta by starting with a fresh baguette. Slice it into thin rounds and toast until crisp. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for an extra kick. Top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, all tossed in a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavors.

Desserts:

Lemon Tart: Imagine a buttery crust filled with a tangy lemon curd that balances sweetness and acidity perfectly. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for a refreshing finish. This dessert is a delightful way to end a meal, offering a zesty burst that cleanses the palate.

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. Serve it in elegant glass cups and garnish with shaved chocolate and a few fresh berries. The silky texture and deep chocolate flavor make it an irresistible treat that will leave your guests craving more.

Why trust this Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe:

This recipe guarantees perfectly crispy chicken thighs with minimal effort. The combination of rosemary and lemon infuses the chicken with a delightful aroma and flavor. Cooking in a cast-iron skillet ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a golden, crispy skin. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

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FAQ:

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I usually check if the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. You can also cut into the thickest part of the thigh; if the juices run clear and there's no pink, it's done.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they might cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I use if I don't have a cast-iron skillet?

If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or even a baking dish. Just make sure it can handle the high heat of the oven.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano, and spices like paprika or garlic powder. Customize it to your taste.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving these crispy chicken thighs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. They also pair well with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.