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    Home » Chicken

    Feb 4, 2023

    Pan Fried Chicken Thighs

    Published on Feb 4, 2023. Updated on May 12, 2023. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Pan Fried Chicken Thighs-pinterest

    Try these easy pan-fried chicken thighs for a great, flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. I use boneless skinless thighs, which are ready in less than 20 minutes!

    pan seared boneless chicken thighs
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love it
    • 🧾 Ingredients Used
    • 🔪 How To Make This Recipe
    • 🥫 Storing and Reheating Chicken Thighs
    • 💭 Tips and Variations
    • 🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
    • 👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions
    • 📚 Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love it

    Compared to other cuts of chicken meat, chicken thighs are often lower in price, making for an affordable meal for you and your family. They are also really juicy and packed full of flavor.

    Pan-frying is a great way to make the most of the chicken thighs, especially as it helps the skin get crispy and absorb any seasonings and marinades. It also makes a great family dinner served with veggies!

    🧾 Ingredients Used

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    boneless chicken thighs, seasoning, olive oil

    You only need a few ingredients to make pan-seared chicken thighs.

    • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: You can easily get this from your local grocery store or butcher. You can also use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.
    • Homemade chicken seasoning: My easy homemade chicken spice rub is made using pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, among others.
    • Olive oil: You can use your favorite cooking oil.
    • Chicken broth (optional): You only need chicken broth for bone-in chicken thighs. The broth helps keep the thighs nice and moist as they cook in the final stages of this recipe.

    🔪 How To Make This Recipe

    Here's how to make this easy weeknight dinner recipe.

    1. Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel.
    2. Rub the chicken seasoning liberally all over the thighs. Make sure you also rub the sides of the chicken thighs.
    3. Pour olive oil into a frying pan or a large cast-iron skillet.
    4. When heated, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the hot skillet.
    5. Brown the chicken on both sides for 5 minutes each, on medium-high heat, until it is golden brown.

    For Bone-in Chicken Thighs

    1. Cook the chicken for 8 minutes on one side on medium high heat.
    2. Flip the chicken, then cook for 8-10 minutes.
    3. Pour the chicken broth into the pan, and scrape the browned bits from the cast iron pan.
    4. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. I use a meat thermometer to check this.
    how to make Pan Fried Chicken Thighs

    🥫 Storing and Reheating Chicken Thighs

    Once cooked, your pan-roasted chicken thighs can be kept safely in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze for about six months.

    To reheat your frozen chicken thighs, thaw them first by placing them into your refrigerator for a few days. Then reheat on the stove top in a pan or in the oven.

    💭 Tips and Variations

    • Add some veggies to the pan to fry with the chicken. 
    • Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken if you like spicy food. You can also jazz It up with this homemade creole seasoning!
    • If you use skin-on chicken thighs, make sure you rub some of the spices under the skin.
    • Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure the chicken is cooked through.
    Pan Fried Chicken Thighs

    🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

    Enjoy your juicy chicken thighs with these side dishes!

    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Keto Mashed Cauliflower
    • Instant Pot Asparagus
    • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
    • Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad

    👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

    Do I need to cover the pan with a lid?


    You can cover the pan with a lid, which can help it retain moisture and heat to help with cooking time. However, keeping it covered won't allow the chicken thighs to crisp up or help to reduce the added stock, so it shouldn't be kept on for the entire time.

    How do I know when my chicken thighs are cooked?

    Chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). If you are using a meat thermometer to check, ensure the thermometer makes contact with only the meat and not the bone to get the most accurate reading.
    If you don't have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. If the juices are red or pink, it needs to be cooked a bit longer. 

    Can I use a different oil to fry my chicken thighs?

    Although olive oil is the healthiest choice, you can pick another oil if you don't have any in your cupboards or prefer an alternative. Some good options are avocado oil or coconut oil.

    📚 Related Recipes

    Need more chicken recipes? Next time, try these!

    Fried Chicken Breast

    Fried Chicken Drumsticks

    Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    Chicken Hearts Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Harissa Chicken

    pan roasted boneless chicken thighs

    📖 Recipe

    Pan Fried Chicken Thighs

    Pan Fried Chicken Thighs

    Try these easy pan-fried chicken thighs for a great, flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. I use boneless skinless thighs, which are ready in less than 20 minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 314kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet
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    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless chicken thighs
    • 2 tablespoon chicken seasoning
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ cup chicken broth only when using bone-in chicken thighs

    Instructions

    • Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel.
    • Rub the chicken seasoning liberally all over the thighs. Make sure you also rub the sides of the chicken thighs.
    • Pour olive oil into a frying pan or a large cast-iron skillet.
    • When heated, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the hot skillet.
    • Brown the chicken on both sides for 5 minutes each, on medium-high heat, until it is golden brown.

    For Bone-in Chicken Thighs

    • Cook the chicken for 8 minutes on one side on medium high heat.
    • Flip the chicken, then cook for 8-10 minutes.
    • Pour the chicken broth into the pan, and scrape the browned bits from the cast iron pan.
    • Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. I use a meat thermometer for this.

    Notes

    This recipe serves 4 and contains 0 net carbs per serving.
    • Add some veggies to the pan to fry with the chicken.
    • Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken if you like spicy food. You can also jazz it up with this homemade creole seasoning!
    • If you use skin-on chicken thighs, make sure you rub some of the spices under the skin.
    • Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure the chicken is cooked through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 778mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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    tayo oredola

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