How to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Pan

Cooking chicken thighs in a pan is an easy and quick way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. In this how-to article, we will walk you through all the steps needed to cook chicken thighs in a pan perfectly. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, our guide will help you prepare a mouth-watering chicken dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

The first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you need to cook chicken thighs in a pan:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika

Method

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook the chicken thighs in a pan. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.

4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

5. Turn the chicken thighs over and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

6. Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes.

7. Serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides such as rice, vegetables, or salad.

Tips

Here are some tips that will help you cook delicious chicken thighs in a pan:

– Use a large and heavy skillet that can accommodate all the chicken thighs without overcrowding them.

– Always cook the chicken thighs skin-side down first to get that crispy and golden brown skin.

– Don’t move the chicken thighs around too much while cooking. This will help to get a nice sear on the skin.

– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This way, you can be sure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

– Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender and juicy.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

A: Yes, you can. However, bone-in chicken thighs add more flavor to the dish, and the bones help to retain the moisture in the chicken.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken thighs before cooking?

A: Yes, you can. Marinating the chicken thighs can add more flavor to the dish. However, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning them and cooking them in a pan.

Q: How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in a pan?

A: It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook chicken thighs in a pan. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of the pan.

In conclusion, cooking chicken thighs in a pan is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal. By following our guide and using the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a mouth-watering chicken dish that will impress your family and friends. Try it out today and enjoy the flavors and goodness of perfectly cooked chicken thighs!