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Close-up of golden-brown Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs sizzling in a cast iron pan, showcasing their perfectly crispy skin.

Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Achieve restaurant-quality crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat with this easy skillet chicken thighs recipe. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned simply and cooked in a hot skillet to perfection, resulting in a family-favorite meal that's both delicious and keto-friendly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about the same size
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh herbs thyme, rosemary, or oregano

Equipment

  • Large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel)
  • Paper towels
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Tuck fresh herbs under the skin, if using.
  3. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers.
  4. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Press down on the chicken with a spatula for the first minute or two to ensure good contact with the pan.
  6. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before seasoning. Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven, skillet, or microwave. Variations include Lemon Herb (add lemon zest and juice, thyme, and rosemary), Spicy (add cayenne pepper or hot sauce), Garlic Parmesan (sprinkle with Parmesan cheese), and Honey Mustard (brush with honey mustard during the last few minutes of cooking).