Juicy Pan Seared Chicken Thighs (quick and easy)

Name: Juicy Pan Seared Chicken Thighs (quick and easy)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon salt ((or to taste)); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ((or to taste)); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter ((unsalted))

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These pan-seared chicken thighs are simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Cooked on a hot skillet with a simple seasoning blend, they turn out juicy, flavorful and ready in 15 minutes!

Try my oven baked boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe next!

Pan seared chicken thighs in a skillet topped with parsley flakes.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy - These stove top chicken thighs are made in one pan and cook in just 15 minutes or less! I start by seasoning them, then searing them until they are flavorful and juicy. Serve these with a side of potato slices and you’ll definitely want to add these to your dinner rotation.
Simple Ingredients - No fancy ingredients here. This recipe uses a seasoning blend with seasonings you most likely have in your pantry.

Q&A:

Can I use bone in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but they take longer to cook. Depending on their size, bone-in thighs can take nearly twice a long as boneless.

Equipment Needed:

Skillet
Tongs

Ingredients (Full recipe located in recipe card below):

Pan seared chicken thighs recipe ingredients in various dishes on a white marble surface: boneless skinless chicken thighs, butter, olive oil, dried oregano, parsley flakes, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Smoked Parika
Dried Oregano
Dried Parsley
Butter (unsalted)
Olive Oil

Instructions:

Mix the seasonings: To a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Stir until well blended.

Dried oregano, parsley flakes, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder neatly placed in an off white bowl.

Dried oregano, parsley flakes, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder blended in an off white bowl.

Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel and season with the seasoning mixture.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs on an off white plate being patted dry with a paper towel.

Seasoned boneless skinless chicken thighs on an off white plate.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and then butter.

Butter and olive oil added to a heated skillet.

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, smooth side up. You should hear them sizzle. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes and then flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they are deep brown and golden color.

Seasoned boneless skinless chicken thighs placed smooth side up in a heated skillet containing melted butter and olive oil.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs flipped and cooking smooth side down.

What To Serve With Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs:

Pan seared chicken thighs on a white plate with rice and green beans.

These skillet chicken thighs go great with a side of green beans and bacon, skillet corn or mashed potatoes. My favorite way to serve these is on top of a bed of rice or noodles with a green side dish like air fryer asparagus.

Recipe Variations And Substitutions:

Bone in Chicken Thighs - I prefer to stick with boneless thighs, but you can use bone in chicken thighs. You will need to increase the cook time depending on the size of bone in chicken thighs you use.
Butter - Ghee or a plant-based butter would work as well.
Olive Oil - Avocado oil or your preferred cooking oil will work.
Dried oregano/Parsley Flakes - You can use Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave on a microwave safe plate for 20 to 30 seconds at a time until warm throughout.

Pro Tips:

Skillet should be hot when you add the chicken thighs for a nice sear and flavor.
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer.