Here’s a 5-ingredient recipe for cast iron chicken thighs that’s perfect for effortless weeknight dinners. These chicken thighs achieve a remarkable crispiness on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The cast iron skillet, one of my favorite kitchen tools, plays a starring role in creating this delightful meal. Its ability to conduct heat efficiently results in perfectly seared proteins, whether it’s salmon, chicken, steak, or more.
This particular recipe continues the tradition of beautifully seared proteins, thanks to the cast iron skillet’s ability to create a golden, crispy skin while preserving the chicken’s natural juices.
Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Effortless Preparation: Similar to pan-fried chicken, searing the chicken in a hot cast iron skillet before finishing it in the oven guarantees an exceptional chicken dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Flavors: While fresh garlic, salt, and pepper provide a flavorful base, there’s room to take the flavors up a notch with various seasoning variations, as detailed in the Flavor Variations section.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Searing yields beautifully crispy and juicy chicken thighs that are sure to please everyone at the table.
- Reliable Protein Option: Chicken thighs are a dependable choice for a flavorful and easy protein option. Pair them with simple sides for a stress-free kitchen experience.
The straightforward ingredient list includes:
- Chicken thighs: Opt for skin-on chicken thighs for that coveted crispy skin, although bone-in and boneless thighs work equally well.
- Olive oil: To prevent sticking and achieve a golden-brown skin.
- Unsalted butter: Adding rich flavor to the pan-seared chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves for a burst of aromatic goodness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Cooking these crispy chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet is a breeze:
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Preheat the cast iron skillet and add olive oil and butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down and cook until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and add minced garlic to the pan.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake until the chicken thighs are fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: After baking, allow the thighs to rest briefly on a cutting board before slicing and serving.
Valuable tips for success:
- Bring the chicken thighs to room temperature before searing for even cooking.
- Always preheat the skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve that golden color and crispy texture.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
For flavor variations, consider these options:
- Experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, poultry seasonings, BBQ dry rub, lemon pepper seasoning, or blackened seasoning.
- Enhance flavor by marinating the thighs for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Baste the chicken thighs with a flavorful sauce before baking (after searing).
Pair these cast iron skillet chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as starches, vegetables, salads, or bread. Leftovers can be used in weekly lunches, added to salads, incorporated into casseroles, or stuffed into wraps for an extra protein boost.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs:
- After searing, these chicken thighs typically take around 12 to 15 minutes to bake in a 400°F oven, reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on thigh thickness and whether they are bone-in or boneless.
- Yes, you can make this recipe with frozen chicken thighs, but be sure to thaw them in the fridge before seasoning and cooking.
