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Skillet Chicken Thighs – Crispy & Juicy Chicken Thigh Recipes

When I want something deeply satisfying but without a kitchen full of chaos, skillet chicken thighs save the day. These crispy chicken thighs turn golden with just a touch of patience and a well-heated pan. The best part? You probably have everything you need already waiting in the fridge or pantry. I grew up on weeknight dinners like this. Simple, straightforward, and straight-up delicious. There’s something comforting about the smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil and the sound of chicken crisping up. And when the outside is that perfect shade of brown while the inside stays juicy? It’s a win. This is one of those chicken thigh recipes that becomes your go-to. It ticks all the boxes—quick, easy, no fancy steps. Just good food cooked right. Whether you’re new to recipes with chicken thighs or looking to add to your collection of chicken thighs recipes, this one is here to stay. We’ve been making it on repeat because it’s exactly what easy chicken thigh recipes should be: no fuss, big flavor.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken thigh recipes, chicken thighs recipes, easy chicken thigh recipes, recipes for chicken thigh, recipes for chicken thighs, recipes with chicken thighs
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and don’t move them for 7 to 9 minutes.
  5. Once the skin is golden and crispy, flip and cook the other side for another 7 to 9 minutes, until fully cooked.
  6. Remove from heat and let them rest for a couple minutes before serving.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’d like, and serve hot.