Description
Succulent skillet chicken thighs bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with rich, herbed flavors and effortless elegance. Crispy-skinned chicken nestled in a silky sauce promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a quick, delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds/680 grams)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Create a robust spice blend combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the mixture comprehensively across both surfaces of the chicken thighs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Position chicken skin-side down and sear for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Sauté finely chopped shallots and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, introducing fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Allow liquid to simmer and develop complex flavors.
- Gently stream heavy cream into the sauce, stirring continuously. Let mixture reduce and thicken for 5 minutes, creating a luxurious consistency.
- Return seared chicken thighs to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the velvety sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Pat chicken thoroughly to ensure crispy skin and even cooking, removing excess moisture helps achieve golden-brown exterior.
- Blend dried seasonings beforehand for consistent flavor distribution across chicken thighs.
- Use cast iron skillet for superior heat retention and beautiful caramelization of chicken skin.
- Avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming instead of proper searing, which develops rich flavor.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently, preventing cream from separating or breaking during reduction.
- Fresh thyme elevates sauce complexity compared to dried herbs, adding bright aromatic notes.
- Low-carb dieters can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for similar richness.
- Gluten-sensitive individuals should confirm broth is certified gluten-free before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg