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A budget-friendly chicken thigh dinner served with roasted vegetables.

Classic Skillet Budget-Friendly Chicken Thigh Dinner

This delicious and budget-friendly chicken thigh dinner comes together quickly in one skillet, featuring crispy skin and tender meat simmered in a savory sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or preferred cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 lemon for brightness and acidity (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs thyme, rosemary, or oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
  • white wine splash of
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • cherry tomatoes a few

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron)

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
  3. Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and dried herbs for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and add lemon juice or wine if desired.
  5. Cook in the skillet on the stovetop, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then spoon pan sauce over chicken.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure chicken skin is very dry before searing. The oven method helps ensure even cooking and tender chicken. Adjust herbs and optional additions to your preference.