Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
Updated May 06, 2026
Pan seared chicken thighs are an excellent method of preparing juicy, tender chicken in a skillet. They can be ready in 15 minutes and are easily adaptable!
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One of my favorite weeknight meals is this pan seared chicken thighs that takes 15 minutes from preparation to serving. The seasoning mix I use gives the chicken the best flavor, and I’ll share some tips for how to make sure you don’t overcook the chicken so it stays tender and juicy!
These pan seared chicken thighs are easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, but they are also perfect for a more formal dinner. You can easily double and triple the recipe, but just be sure not to over-crowd the pan when doing so. I usually serve the chicken with some simple Lebanese rice and green beans for a nutritious well-balanced dinner!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless skinless thighs for this recipe. We rub them with seasonings before searing for a really flavorful bite.
- Seasonings: I use a mix of onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper.
- Garlic: Slice rather than mince the garlic so that the flavor is milder.
- Broth: Use chicken broth to create the sauce. You can also use vegetable if that’s what you have.
How to make pan seared chicken thighs
Start by measuring the spices and mixing them all together. This combination of spices is one of my favorites. I use equal amounts of onion powder, paprika, cumin and coriander and then a little less of turmeric. The spice mixture gives it a beautiful color when cooked, and it adds a wonderfully sweet and smokey Mediterranean flavor.
Next, pat the chicken thighs very dry with a paper towel. Since we’re pan searing the chicken, we want to make sure that they are dry so they get crisp when they hit the hot oil instead of soggy. Then use your hands to rub the seasoning on the dry chicken thighs.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, make sure that the olive oil coats the bottom of the pan, usually 2-3 tablespoons will be sufficient. And then make sure the oil hot.
Next, place the chicken thighs with the smooth side down first and don’t touch it or move it until at least 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You will know when it’s time to flip it when it easily releases on its own. It will lift easily off the pan and nothing will be stuck to the oil.
Then flip it and cook it until the juices run clear or a a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads between 160°F and 165°F.
Finally add the garlic and cook it until it’s golden and fragrant. It only needs about 30 seconds. Then add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and let it cook for an extra couple minutes until the juices get a little thicker.
Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs boneless skinless, about 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves sliced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the seasoning mix.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and carefully place the chicken thighs, presentation-side down into the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the chicken thighs for 7 minutes without touching until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip the chicken to the other side and continue to cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, 8-10 more minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until garlic is golden and fragrant. Pour chicken broth to deglaze the bottom and sides of the pan with the crispy browned bits until they’re no longer sticking to the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
What to Serve with Chicken Thighs
- Grains: We love serving this with Lebanese rice, risotto, cauliflower rice, or even a rice salad.
- Potatoes: Chicken thighs are so delicious with potatoes. Try it with my healthy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted potatoes, or even air fryer potatoes.
- Vegetables: Add some vegetables to the grains and/or potatoes to make it a full meal. This goes great with pan roasted Brussel sprouts, sautéed green beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- Salads: Lots of salads work with this. I prefer Mediterranean salads to complement the spices I use. Try it with Mediterranean chopped salad, Couscous Salad, Kale Tabbouleh or Fattoush.
Tips for pan searing chicken thighs
- Allow time to marinate the chicken. Since this is a dry rub, the marinating time isn’t crucial, but it never hurts and the flavor will only enhance if you let it sit with the seasoning. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours works fine.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the chicken thighs to brown and cook evenly. Otherwise, the juices from the nearby chicken may create steam which will affect the searing process.
- Don’t turn the chicken while they’re cooking. This is especially true if you are using a non-stick pan like I did. Once the chicken is fully cooked on one side it will self release effortlessly, without anything sticking to the pan. Plus this helps to get proper browning on both sides.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This allows the chicken a chance to absorb the juices to become more juicy and tender.
Frequently asked questions
It’s important to remember, that unlike chicken breasts, thighs can look pinkish-brown even when cooked through. To test for doneness, press the meat, there should be resistance, if it is still very soft it is not cooked. Pierce the skin with a skewer or fork and the juices should run clear. If you have an instant read thermometer, it should register between 170ºf and 180ºf.
I prefer to eat the chicken as soon as it is cooked, but if you have leftovers you can reheat them once and the leftovers must be eaten in one sitting. You can reheat them in a frying pan, microwave oven or the barbecue. Leftover cold cuts can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold on a salad.
This recipe is easily adapted to use with chicken breasts if you prefer. The recipe remains the same, but the cooking time will be slightly less. I recommend 5-7 minutes per side.
Yes, if the chicken thighs end up weighing more, you’ll need to increase the spices. Otherwise the recipe remains the same. Just increase the time by 5 minutes per side and I would cover with a lid when you flip it to the other side so it doesn’t burn.
Comments
I just made your recipe tonight and we thought it was delicious – tender and flavorful!
I’m so happy to hear that, Betsy! So glad you enjoyed it and found it flavorful!
Bland. My family did not like nor did I.
Bummer, sorry to hear the chicken turned out bland. Did you pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel before seasoning? Making sure they’re dry helps the seasonings stick. Some commenters note that they double the seasoning amount for extra flavor, maybe that could help. Thank you for the feedback.
I am not a cook. My wife is traveling and left some frozen chicken thighs for me to defrost and prepare. I augmented with some little potatoes in the skillet. This recipe was simple enough for a non-cook to get right and it was delicious. Thank you!
I love that, Greg! I think this qualifies you as a cook now! But I know what you mean, and I’m so happy this recipe worked for you. Glad you enjoyed!
Tastes Great ! Easy recipe.
Thank You
So happy to hear that you liked it!
Delicious!
I’m so happy you thought it was delicious, Jamie!
I am going to try these tonight. Do you have favorite brands of spices? And what else can you use this spice mix on?
I prefer Simply Organics. You can use this spice mix on any meat. It would taste good on potatoes too! Hope you enjoy!!
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