Choosing the Ingredients
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When it comes to making skillet chicken thighs, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some tips on selecting the best ingredients for your recipe:
Chicken Thighs
Choosing the right cut of chicken is essential for a delicious skillet chicken thighs recipe. I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. However, boneless chicken thighs are also a great option if you prefer a quicker cooking time. Be sure to season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper before cooking.
Oil and Butter
For cooking the chicken, I recommend using a combination of olive oil and unsalted butter. The olive oil has a high smoke point and adds a nice flavor to the dish, while the butter helps to brown the chicken and adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic and Shallots
Garlic and shallots are essential aromatics that add depth of flavor to the dish. I like to use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced, but you can also use garlic powder if you’re short on time. Shallots are a milder version of onions and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Lemon and Thyme
Lemon juice and fresh thyme add brightness and freshness to the dish. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, and add the thyme towards the end of cooking for optimal flavor.
Vegetables and Rice
To make this dish a complete meal, I like to add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Wine and Soy Sauce
For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of dry white wine or soy sauce to the dish. This will add a savory umami flavor and help to balance out the acidity from the lemon juice.
Seasoning Mix
To add even more flavor to the dish, you can use a seasoning mix such as Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, ginger, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste and preferences.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese
For a richer and creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This will help to thicken the sauce and add a delicious cheesy flavor.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uILSZN8pbL0&embed=true
When it comes to making delicious skillet chicken thighs, preparation is key. I always start by selecting the right type of chicken thighs for the recipe. I personally prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they tend to be more flavorful and juicy. However, boneless thighs work just as well if that’s your preference.
Once I have my chicken thighs, I season them generously with a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sometimes I also add Italian seasoning or other seasoning mixes for an extra kick of flavor. It’s important to season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly.
Next, I heat up a combination of olive oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I prefer to use a splatter screen to prevent any oil from splattering. Once the oil is hot, I carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. I let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
To ensure that the chicken thighs are fully cooked, I always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before it’s safe to eat. If the chicken thighs are not yet fully cooked, I pop them in the microwave for a few minutes before returning them to the skillet to finish cooking.
Overall, preparing the chicken thighs is the most important step in making a delicious skillet chicken thighs recipe. With the right seasoning, oil, and cooking technique, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
Cooking the Chicken Thighs
When it comes to cooking chicken thighs in a skillet, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful.
First, I like to use a cast-iron skillet for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and can handle high temperatures without warping. I preheat the skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding any oil or butter.
Once the skillet is hot, I add a tablespoon of oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter. The butter adds flavor and helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet. I let the butter melt and then add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down.
I sear the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. If the skillet starts to splatter, I use a splatter screen to prevent any oil or juices from getting on my stove.
Next, I add minced garlic and chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté them for a minute or two until they are fragrant. Then, I deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
To add some extra flavor, I like to add a sprig or two of fresh thyme and a handful of chopped parsley to the skillet. If I want a creamier sauce, I’ll add a splash of heavy cream at this point.
Finally, I cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken thighs simmer for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through. To check if they are done, I use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Once the chicken thighs are cooked, I remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. I like to squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for some extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving skillet chicken thighs, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that are sure to please everyone at the table.
On a Plate
One of the simplest ways to serve skillet chicken thighs is on a plate. Pair them with some steamed broccoli, carrots, or roasted potatoes for a wholesome meal that is both delicious and satisfying. I like to garnish the chicken with some fresh parsley and sun-dried tomatoes to add some extra flavor and color.
Over Rice
Another great way to serve skillet chicken thighs is over a bed of rice. You can use any type of rice you like, but I prefer to use brown rice for its nutty flavor and health benefits. To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add some soy sauce or white wine to the pan juices and pour them over the chicken and rice.
With Pasta
Skillet chicken thighs also go well with pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but I recommend using a short pasta like penne or fusilli. To make the dish even more delicious, you can make a cream sauce with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and your favorite spices. Pour the sauce over the chicken and pasta and garnish with some fresh parsley.
With Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a side dish that pairs well with skillet chicken thighs, look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts. Simply toss the Brussels sprouts with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are crispy and tender. Serve them alongside the chicken for a meal that is both tasty and nutritious.
With Wine
Last but not least, don’t forget to pair your skillet chicken thighs with a glass of wine. I recommend a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the chicken. The wine will also help to cut through the richness of the cream sauce, if you choose to use one.
These are just a few serving suggestions for skillet chicken thighs. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and come up with your own ideas. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a Sunday supper, skillet chicken thighs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Additional Information
When it comes to skillet chicken thighs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. First and foremost, make sure to use fresh chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. Look for thighs that are pink and cool to the touch, and avoid any that have a strong odor or appear slimy.
To get that crispy skin that everyone loves, it’s important to cook your chicken thighs uncovered in the skillet. This allows the skin to crisp up and become golden brown. If you prefer juicy chicken, you can cover the skillet for the last few minutes of cooking to lock in moisture.
When it comes to yield, this recipe typically serves four people. However, you can easily adjust the recipe to feed more or fewer people depending on your needs. Just make sure to adjust the prep and cooking times accordingly.
Speaking of prep and cooking times, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It takes just a few minutes to prep your ingredients, and the chicken thighs cook up in about 20 minutes.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next meal, be sure to check out my Instagram page for more easy chicken recipes and mouth-watering photos. And if you try this skillet chicken thigh recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out!
For those who are interested in the nutritional analysis of this recipe, each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 25g of fat, and 30g of protein. Of course, this will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, so be sure to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.
Overall, skillet chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
