Recipes

Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

by StudioLink Recipe.

June 18, 2025

Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes.It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and fancy enough for the weekend.All you need is one pan and a few ingredients for this golden-crusted, herb-perfumed beauty.

Crispy Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried
- Optional: lemon wedge for finishing

Instructions

Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so be thorough. Trim off any extra skin or excess fat if needed.
Season generously: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder all over the chicken, making sure to season underneath the skin too.
Heat the pan: Place a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Sear skin-side down: Gently lay the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down. Do not move them! Let them sear undisturbed for 10–12 minutes so the skin gets evenly golden and crisp.
Flip and cook through: Once the skin is deeply browned, flip the thighs and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
Add herbs: In the last few minutes, sprinkle in thyme and tilt the pan to spoon the herby oil over the chicken for bonus flavor.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired for a light zing.
Pairing ideas: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, a side salad, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.