With no advance planning required, these pan-seared chicken thighs require just a few minutes of work in the kitchen.
This recipe is a great one for using dried spices; as the chicken slowly cooks, it will absorb all of those Italian flavors. There is no need to marinate the meat, simply sprinkle each thigh with seasonings and drop it in the pan.
Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
The hardest part of this recipe is waiting while the chicken slowly cooks on its own. You want the skin to be golden-brown with all the fat rendered before you turn the pieces over.
This recipe results in incredibly juicy chicken with a crispy skin every time. It is completely worth the wait! Crispy pan seared chicken is a great match for Classic Potato Salad, Italian Herb Rice or Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.
Creamy, rich Truffle Mac and Cheese is a fancy spin on comfort food. If you’ve never tasted this awesomeness, you’ve been missing out on this ultimate side dish.
In the mood for some awesome vegetables? Sriracha Honey Roasted Broccoli is a friend and family favorite, as is this Asparagus, Bacon, Corn, and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Italian Chicken Thighs
You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this recipe:
- light-flavored olive oil or coconut oil
- chicken thighs
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- granulated garlic or garlic powder
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- herbs de Provence, optional
Pan Fried Chicken Thighs
All of the fried chicken flavor we love really is possible without deep frying or standing over the stove the whole time.
With a few tips in hand, you’re going to be making some amazing pan fried chicken in no time.
- Start with a heavy skillet.
- Cooking the chicken uncovered is a required step, so a splatter-screen for your skillet will help cut down on the mess on the stovetop.
- A small bowl with a cup of vinegar set next to the stove will greatly reduce the lingering aroma of this recipe through the rest of the night.
How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs on Stove
- Pour a tablespoon of oil into a large stainless or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. (A non-stick skillet will work as well, although it isn’t required.)
- Generously sprinkle the skin side of the chicken thighs with all of the spices and then place them in the hot skillet, skin side down. Sprinkle the other side of the thighs and then, without moving them, cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chicken thighs cook until the fat has rendered and the skin is deep golden brown and crisp; this could take as long as 30 minutes. You’ll know how long to pan fry chicken thighs, when the skin no longer sticks to the pan. If the skin is sticking to the pan, it likely isn’t finished on that side. Reduce the heat as needed if the skin starts to burn before it is evenly golden brown.
- Flip the thighs over and continue to cook for about 20 more minutes. When the meat closest to the bone is cooked through, the chicken is done.
If you’re looking for more hands-off chicken dinners, this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken by The Little Kitchen looks fantastic. It’s incredibly simple and the whole chicken goes in the slow cooker in just a few minutes.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Green Beans and Potatoes is one of my go-to chicken dinners. It takes less than 5 minutes to pull this entire chicken dinner together and get it into the oven.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta by Inside BruCrew Life is a one skillet meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. Gooey cheese, pasta, and chicken will have everyone licking their plate clean in a hurry.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are one of our favorite quick and easy meals. With leftover chicken, or a rotisserie chicken, a few potatoes, and some barbecue sauce, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table with very little trouble at all.
Pan Fried Italian Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or light flavored olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs depending on size (4 large pieces fill my skillet)
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- granulated garlic or garlic powder
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- herbs de Provence
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a large stainless or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. (A non-stick skillet will work as well, although it isn't required.) Generously sprinkle the skin side of the chicken thighs with spices and then place them in the hot skillet, skin side down.
- Sprinkle the other side of the thighs and then, without moving them, cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Let them cook until the fat has rendered and the skin is deep golden brown and crisp; this could take as long as 30 minutes.
- If the skin is sticking to the pan, it likely isn't finished on that side. Reduce the heat as needed if the skin starts to burn before it is evenly golden brown.
- Turn the thighs over and continue to cook for about 20 more minutes. When the meat closest to the bone is cooked through, the chicken is done.
Nutrition
{originally published 7/14/14 – notes and photos updated 2/2/23}
Kathyann says
Delicious .
Rust says
I made these tonight (boneless) and they were incredible. I spiced them up a bit with Tony’s cajun seasoning and cooked them in my heavy old cast iron. Absolutely perfect! Thank you. 🙂
Patricia says
What is herbs de Provence.
Mary says
It’s a blend of herbs that was originally from Provence. Typically, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sometimes lavender leaves and other herbs. I’ve also made this simply with an Italian seasoning blend and it works beautifully that way!
Wow! I love it! says
Really, really delicious. Thank you for sharing recipe!
William Knight says
What does the star next to the word “uncovered” denote?
Mary says
I originally had the word “uncovered” linked to the tip above the recipe. Somehow the asterisk was forgotten when I rearranged the format of the recipe.
* Please note that a splatter screen for your skillet will help cut down on the mess on the stovetop and a small bowl with a cup of vinegar set next to the stove will greatly reduce the lingering aroma of this recipe through the rest of the night.
Curious says
How much seasoning of each do you put in your mix because the measurements did not pop up and I can’t find it on here.
Jeffrey says
Awesome recipe. Flavors are deep and marvelous. Only suggestion would be to press the thighs while cooking by, for example, placing a frying pan on top.
Marilu says
For the pan fried Italian chicken thighs what are the measurements for the dry ingredients??
Tawnia says
We just had these for dinner. Delicious and simple! Thank you for sharing and the vinegar tip works great!!! I’ll definitely make these again.
Bb says
I cooked it.
Thanks bro