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Close-up of 20-minute crispy chicken thighs simmering in a rich, creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Crispy Chicken Thighs in 20 Minutes

This recipe for crispy chicken thighs is a quick and easy weeknight dinner winner. It uses simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Sauce Simmer Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 6 chicken thighs about 1 1/2 pounds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Kosher salt and black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  2. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and cook until the skin is crispy, about 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the butter, shallot, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the chicken warm with the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 19gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 281mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 440IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicy and extra crispy chicken. Boneless chicken thighs can be used but will cook faster. If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or whole milk. Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Microwaving is also an option for 1 minute, but the oven or air fryer will help maintain crispiness.

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