Stovetop chicken thighs are a quick and easy way to cook juicy and flavorful chicken that is crispy outside and tender inside. Using your simple pantry ingredients like garlic, pepper, and chicken broth, this recipe comes together within 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re a busy person or you don’t have enough time to make something flavorful, this recipe is for you!! Are you interested in making this juicy masterpiece? Maybe yes! Then what you’re waiting for. Let’s get started.
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Why you’ll love the stove top chicken thighs :
Flavourful meat: chicken thighs are more flavorful than chicken breasts. The dark meat of chicken thighs is richer in taste, which pairs beautifully with other seasonings. And enhance the flavor profile.
Juiciness: Thighs are more juicer when they are cooked. Even if you accidentally leave them on the heat a bit longer, they’ll still be tender.
Quick and easy: No need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. You can make this recipe within 30 minutes. This is perfect for busy weeknight dinner.
Crispy skin and juicy meat: stove top chicken thighs are juicy inside and crispy outside, which makes your dish more flavorful. The skin sears beautifully, while the meat stays moist because of the steam from the covered pan.
Versatile: Just like painting, you can tweak the seasonings to suit your taste or add extras like lemon juice, fresh herbs, or a splash of soy sauce. You can add cream sauce like gravy as well to enhance the flavor of your dish.
What we need to make stove top chicken thighs :
Chicken Thighs:- You can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs as well. But skin on chicken gives more crispiness as compared to skinless. It gives more richness and flavor to the chicken. If you prefer chicken breasts, then you can, but keep an eye on the cooking process.
Seasonings: Black pepper, salt, thyme, and rosemary add flavor and enhance the overall taste of your stove top chicken thighs. Without seasonings, your dish is incomplete, right? According to your taste buds, you can use different spices like cumin, chili powder, etc.
Garlic: It adds deep, robust flavor when you cook the chicken. The aromatic flavor of garlic complies with the savory taste of chicken. Make sure to use minced garlic, as it easily melts into the chicken while you cook. And avoid the large chunks and overpowering bites.
Chicken broth: When your chicken cooks, the broth helps to retain the moisture and keep your meat juicy and tender. It enhances the overall depth of the dish. Instead of water, you’ve got to use chicken broth.
How to cook stove top chicken thighs :
- Take a dish and mix all the spices, like paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. I personally love to mix the spices before sprinkling on chicken. Make sure to pat the chicken thighs. Dry with a peper towel. It helps to achieve golden-brown crust. Then By using your hands, rub the spice mixture over the chicken.
- Place the cast iron skillet over medium heat and heat the olive oil. Then add your chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Cook it for at least 6-7 minutes.
- When the skin is crispy and golden brown, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Let the garlic sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour the chicken broth.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer in the chicken broth for at least 10-15 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, then check the internal temperature, which reaches up to 165°F. Now your stove top chicken thighs are ready to serve!!
- If you want a more concentrated sauce, remove the chicken thighs from the pan and let the remaining liquid simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reduces into a thicker sauce. Pour this over the chicken before serving.
How to enjoy your stove top chicken thighs :
1) Serve with rice and quinoa :
For me, this is the most comfortable food. A blend of fluffy rice or protein-rich quinoa makes your dish more healthy. This meal is easy to prepare as well as perfect for a balanced meal.
2) With Fresh salad :
Fresh greens like lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the chicken, and Adding a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing enhances the salad’s freshness. This is perfect for light lunch.
3) With roasted vegetables :
The chicken is typically seasoned and roasted with veggies like carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and onions, which allows the flavors to meld as they cook together. It makes your dinner more satisfying.
This chicken recipes also 10/10 for your classic dinner :
Chicken pizza with white sauce
Pro tips :
1) Make sure to use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, as they help to create a perfect crispiness of the dish. It also adds moisture as compared to boneless thighs.
2) Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel before searing is key to achieving that irresistible crispy skin.
3) Don’t overbaked or underbake your chicken thighs. Check their doneness with a meat thermometer, or you can check it by cutting the piece of thighs.
4) Don’t throw away the fat that renders from the skin! Use it to sauté vegetables or make a pan sauce for extra flavor.
5) Store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I freeze stove top chicken thighs ?
Yes, you can freeze stovetop chicken thighs! Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to label it; they will stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
Stove Top Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 And 1/2 Pound Chicken Thighs ( With Bone And Skin )
- 1 Tbsp Salt And Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves ( Minced )
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme ( Or Rosemary )
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Take a dish and mix the all spices.
- Pat the chicken thighs and dry with the help of paper towel. Sprinkle the Spices mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Place the cast iron skillet over the medium heat, add the olive oil and place your chicken thighs to it. Make sure to skin side down and cook the chicken for atleast 6-7 minutes.
- Then add mined garlic sautee them well and pour the chicken broth .and convert it with lid and let it simmer for 10-5 minutes. Garnish it with some parsley now your stove top chicken thighs is ready to serve!
FAQs :-
1) Is it better to cook chicken thighs in the oven or on the stove?
Ans: Cooking chicken thighs on the stove can give a faster result with a delicious sear and caramelized crust, but it requires more attention to prevent burning or uneven cooking. On the other hand, cooking in the oven is a better option if you want the hand-off method. It also helps to maintain the moisture of the chicken. So you can choose according to your convenience or preference.
2) How do you know when chicken thighs are done on the stove?
Ans: The best method of doneness is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F. Another method is you’ve got to cut the chicken, and there should be no pink color in the meat. The outside of the chicken should be golden brown; it means your chicken is fully cooked.
3) Should chicken thighs be cooked fast or slow?
Ans: Chicken thighs are best cooked slowly over low to medium heat, especially if they are bone-in and skin-on. It allows your meat to become tender and juicy. If you’re using boneless, skinless thighs, they can be cooked faster over medium-high heat for a quicker meal while still retaining moisture.
4) Is it better to pan fry or bake chicken thighs?
Ans: It depends on your preferences or choices. Pan-frying is great if you want a crispy skin and quicker cooking time, as the direct heat helps create a nice golden crust. It’s ideal for smaller batches or when you want a rich, seared flavor. On the other hand, baking is better for cooking larger quantities and results in even cooking throughout. It’s a more hands-off method and keeps the meat juicy, especially when cooked at a lower temperature for longer.
5) Should you cover chicken thighs when baking?
Ans: It depends on the texture you want. Covering chicken thighs while baking helps to maintain the moisture, making them juicier and preventing them from drying out. If you want the skin to become crispy, it’s best to bake them uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. But I’ll suggest you to cover the chicken at the beginning to keep it moist and then uncover it near the end for Golden, crispy finish
Conclusion :
If you’ve been looking for a simple yet satisfying way to prepare chicken thighs, I hope this stove top chicken thighs recipe has inspired you. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Cooking chicken thighs on the stovetop is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal without needing to turn on the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
