Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs

Get ready for the most irresistibly crispy chicken thighs you’ve ever made! This recipe delivers that perfect golden-brown skin that crackles when you bite into it, while keeping the meat underneath incredibly juicy and tender.

The magic happens in a cast-iron skillet, where the skin renders slowly to create that restaurant-quality crispiness. Combined with a perfectly seasoned spice blend that forms an incredible crust, these chicken thighs are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.

Ingredients

• 5-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Position rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
2. Create your seasoning blend: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 2 teaspoons granulated garlic. The uniform mixture ensures even flavor distribution.
3. Prep the chicken: Using paper towels, thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry – this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season both sides generously with your spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
4. Heat your skillet: Place a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil and let it melt completely. The oil is ready when it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
5. Achieve the perfect sear: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Don’t move the chicken during this time – patience is key for that perfect crust.
6. Finish in oven: Flip chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part without touching bone.
7. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Smart Swaps

• Skip the coconut oil and use avocado oil for a higher smoke point
• Try smoked paprika instead of regular for extra depth
• Use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon) for variety

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Remove skin after cooking to reduce fat content
• Serve with non-starchy vegetables to keep carbs low
• Consider using an air fryer to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness

Pro Tips

• Let chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – leave space between pieces
• Use tongs to check skin crispiness without lifting the chicken completely