Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs: Golden And Delicious

Pan-seared chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, but also work for more formal occasions. This method of cooking chicken thighs results in a crispy crust and helps to lock in moisture, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.

To pan-sear chicken thighs, you'll need to heat oil in a skillet over medium to high heat. While the oil is heating up, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice.

Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken without moving it for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken releases easily from the pan. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the juices run clear.

For an extra flavour boost, you can add minced or sliced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, then pour in some chicken broth to deglaze the pan and create a sauce.

Serve your pan-seared chicken thighs with your choice of sides and enjoy!

How to get the perfect golden, crispy crust

To get the perfect golden, crispy crust on your chicken thighs, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure your chicken is dry before you start cooking. Use paper towels to pat the thighs until they are completely dry. This is important because if the chicken is wet, it will not crisp up in the pan.

Next, season the chicken. A dry rub is a great option for adding flavour and a crispy texture to the chicken. You can use a combination of spices such as onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper. Mix these together and then use your hands to rub the spices all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are completely coated.

Now it's time to heat up your pan. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron skillet if you have one, and heat it over medium to medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan—around 2-3 tablespoons should be enough. You want the oil to be hot before adding the chicken.

Once the oil is hot, it's time to add the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, smooth side down, and do not move them for at least 5-7 minutes. This is crucial to achieving a nice, crispy crust. The chicken should easily release from the pan when it's ready to be flipped.

After 5-7 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F when the chicken is done.

Finally, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender chicken with a perfect golden, crispy crust.

The best seasonings to use

• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Rosemary

You can also try a combination of these seasonings to create a dry rub for your chicken thighs. For example, a mix of onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper can add a wonderful Mediterranean flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can use a simpler combination of salt and pepper, which will still enhance the flavour of the chicken without being too overpowering.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, oregano, or parsley. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

How to avoid overcooking the chicken

When pan-searing chicken thighs, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid overcooking the meat. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is cooked just right:

Use a Meat Thermometer

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). Checking the internal temperature of the chicken will help you avoid overcooking it, as you can remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired temperature. This is especially important for chicken, as it needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid any bacteria such as salmonella.

Control the Temperature

Chicken is best cooked at a high temperature, and this temperature should be maintained throughout the cooking process. A sudden change in temperature can cause the chicken to dry out, so be mindful of the heat settings on your stove.

Prepare the Chicken Properly

Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This is an important step as it ensures the chicken sears properly and gets a nice crispy texture. Additionally, if you are using boneless chicken, it is advisable to pound the meat to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly, avoiding dry spots where the meat is thinner.

Cook Quickly

Chicken is best cooked quickly and removed from the heat as soon as it is done. Leaving it in the pan for too long after cooking can cause it to dry out.

Brine or Marinate the Chicken

Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can help keep it moist and tender. Brining involves infusing the chicken with salt, either by soaking it in a salt solution or by rubbing a salt mixture on the outside. Marinating, on the other hand, typically involves an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil (such as olive oil), and spices. Both methods add flavour and moisture to the chicken.

Use Bone-in Chicken

Opting for bone-in chicken thighs can help prevent overcooking. The bones release flavour and moisture into the meat as they cook, and bone-in chicken is generally more forgiving if left in the oven a little too long.

Rest the Chicken

After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the moisture to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your pan-seared chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, avoiding overcooking and drying out the meat.

What to serve with chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile dish, pairing well with almost any flavour profile. Here are some side dish ideas to serve with your pan-seared chicken thighs:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option to serve with chicken thighs. Consider roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, squash, or beets. You could also try grilling vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Other vegetable options include roasted carrots and parsnips, air fryer or roasted green beans, roasted asparagus with garlic, or steamed Savoy cabbage and mustard greens with bacon.

Salads

Salads can also be a refreshing side dish to pair with chicken thighs. Try a cucumber quinoa salad, a kale salad with persimmons, crispy chickpeas, and fried shallots, or a Greek wedge salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, a spinach and artichoke dip or a loaded baked potato can be a great option.

Starches

Starches are always a popular choice to accompany chicken thighs. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower can be a comforting side dish. For something more indulgent, try French fries, tater tots, or waffle fries with chipotle mayo. Baked garlic herb potato wedges, crispy smashed potatoes with horseradish and sea salt, or twice-baked potato casserole are also delicious options.

Grains

Grains can add texture and variety to your meal. Quinoa, couscous salad, or farro salad with roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, and goat cheese are all excellent choices to serve with chicken thighs.

Breads

Breads can round out your meal and soak up any delicious juices from the chicken. Buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or rye croutons are all tasty options.

Cheese

Cheese can add a creamy and indulgent element to your side dishes. Mac and cheese, creamed spinach, or a cheesy broccoli gratin can be comforting and satisfying choices.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect side dishes to elevate your pan-seared chicken thighs!

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of meal prep and making the most of your food. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your pan-seared chicken thighs:

Storing Leftovers

After cooking your delicious pan-seared chicken thighs, it is important to store any leftovers properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the chicken to cool down: Do not immediately put hot chicken into the fridge as this can cause bacteria to grow and spoil the food.
• Use airtight containers: Transfer the chicken to airtight containers or sealable bags. This will prevent the chicken from drying out and keep it separate from other foods.
• Label the containers: Clearly label the containers with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored.
• Store in the fridge: Place the containers in the refrigerator. Leftover chicken can be stored safely in the fridge for up to 4 days, according to some sources, and 2-3 days according to others.

Reheating Leftovers

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover chicken, follow these safe and effective reheating methods:

Reheating in the Oven

This method is ideal for bone-in or breaded chicken leftovers as it helps to keep the outside crispy while heating the meat through.

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and arrange the chicken in a single layer. This ensures even heating and helps the outside stay crispy.
• Reheat for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Reheating on the Stovetop

This method is suitable for boneless and shredded chicken.

• Prepare the chicken: Slice boneless chicken into strips or shred it into pieces.
• Prep a skillet: Place a skillet on medium heat and add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the pan.
• Reheat the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Stir the chicken until it is heated through.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

For crispy leftovers, the air fryer is a great option.

• Prepare the chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature. Spray the pieces lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
• Reheat the chicken: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Reheating in the Microwave

The microwave is a quick and convenient option for reheating non-breaded chicken.

• Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the centre and larger pieces towards the edges.
• Add moisture: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and a teaspoon of water over the chicken to keep it moist. You can also use water, salsa, or chicken broth.
• Cover and reheat: Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat for 2 minutes. Flip the chicken and heat in 30-second intervals until it is hot enough.

Remember to always ensure your chicken is thoroughly reheated before consuming, and enjoy your delicious pan-seared chicken thighs!

Frequently asked questions