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How to Cook Chicken Thighs Perfectly

  • Author: Christine Pittman
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Entrée
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

DESCRIPTION

Pan-roasting makes chicken thighs perfectly crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside—and it’s easy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (7-8 oz.) large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (see note)
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F
  • Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the salt and pepper.
  • Preheat a large oven-safe skillet (large enough to hold the chicken without crowding) over medium-high heat.
  • When the skillet is good and hot, add the oil.
  • When the oil is good and hot, add the chicken and cook undisturbed until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and place the skillet in the oven until the chicken is cooked throughout, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven (be careful—it will be very hot). Transfer the chicken to plates and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Note: Although I prefer bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, this recipe will work for skinless boneless thighs as well—as long as they’re about 1 inch thick.