Pan Seared Chicken Thighs

Name: Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless); ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon coriander; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper; 4 cloves garlic clove (sliced); ½ cup chicken broth; Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Yumna Jawad
January 12, 2020 Updated April 7, 2023

5 from 1161 votes

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!

Pan seared chicken thighs made in a skillet

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.

Mix of spices for the recipe: onion powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin and coriander

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.

Process shots showing chicken thighs on a plate and then adding the seasoning

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.

Process shots showing how to cook the chicken on a skillet

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.

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.

Pan seared chicken thighs served with arugula

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

When do you know when they are cooked?

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.

Can you reheat them?

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.

Can you make this recipe with chicken breasts?

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.

These easy pan seared chicken thighs are one delicious and quick weeknight meal. Serve with all your favorite sides for a flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.

For more chicken recipes:

If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good Pan Seared Chicken Thighs recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

5 from 1161 votes (1,120 ratings without comment)

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