In this Crispy Skillet Chicken Recipe, we’re talking chicken thighs soaked in a mouthwatering marinade full of garlic and all those cozy seasonings, then cooked up in a cast iron skillet till they’re gloriously brown and irresistibly crispy! This dish is a game changer, making dinner not just a meal but a whole vibe. Trust and believe, it’s about to become your new go-to for bringing the yum to the table.
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The Perks and Highlights of this Garlic Skillet Chicken Recipe
If you love garlic, you will get a ton of that flavor in this. The marinade is to die for. Every ounce of flavor in the seasonings comes through in the skin of the chicken.
Now let’s talk skin! I’m talking perfectly crisp browned chicken thigh skin with moist insides that melt in your mouth. Each bite is infused with flavor, and you won’t be able to get enough. With all my families out there struggling to keep it together with the school year in full swing, turn to this option for weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: This silky smooth oil is the secret to locking in all that juiciness.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic gives those bold, aromatic notes that sink deep into every bite.
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice keeps things lively, adding that zesty, tangy twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
- Brown Sugar: Just a sprinkle of brown sugar, and bam, you’ve got that sweet caramelization and a glaze that’ll make your chicken shine like a diamond.
- Parsley and Cilantro: Fresh parsley and cilantro are refreshing herbs that add herbaceous vibes to the mix.
- Garlic Salt: This mingles the robustness of garlic with the perfect seasoning touch that elevates the whole marinade.
- Cumin: A dash brings a smoky whisper that adds a layer of complexity.
- Cayenne Pepper and Black Pepper: This spicy pair is the final flourish, a gentle kick that wakes up the marinade, adding a vibrant, peppery spark.
How to Make Skillet Chicken
- Marinate for Flavor: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and a melody of herbs and spices including cilantro, parsley, brown sugar, garlic salt, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper. Immerse the chicken thighs in this zesty marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and chill for 45 minutes to let all those flavors marry the chicken beautifully.
- Prep Your Pan: Crank your oven up to a fiery 435 degrees. Meanwhile, get your cast iron skillet in the game by heating it over a medium-high flame. Add in the remaining olive oil and a pat of butter.
- Sear to Perfection: Place those marinated chicken thighs skin side down into the skillet, pouring any remaining marinade over them. Sear each side for a good 4-5 minutes, aiming for a gloriously golden and irresistibly crispy skin. Don’t stress if the inside isn’t fully cooked yet; we’ve got that covered in the next step.
- Bake to Juicy Greatness: Move your skillet from the stove top straight to your preheated oven. Let it bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is so well cooked that the juices run clear when you give it a poke.
- Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle a bit of cilantro and a squeeze of lime over your skillet masterpiece. Now, you’re ready to serve up a dish that’s sure to leave everyone begging for seconds.
How to Serve
This juicy flavorful chicken is great with a host of sides. Here are some ideas you can implement to make a wonderful complete meal.
- Collard Greens Recipe
- Southern Green Beans
- Southern Potato Salad
- Vinegar Cole Slaw
- Jollof Rice
- Harvest Fall Salad
How to Store
To store your skillet chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This method helps preserve the chicken’s moisture and keeps the skin crispy.
More Great Chicken Recipes to Try
Crispy Skillet Baked Garlic Chicken Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 5-6 bone-in skin on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Garnish: cilantro, parsley, and limes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a medium sized bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cilantro, parsley, brown sugar, garlic salt, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper and whisk together until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs directly into a the marinade and toss making sure the chicken is completely covered with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes letting it soak into the chicken.
- Add remaining one tablespoon of olive oil and butter to cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin down along with the marinade to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until you get a nice golden color and a beautiful crispy skin. Don't worry about the chicken not being cooked through yet.
- Transfer the chicken to preheated oven and bake until the chicken is totally cooked through with clear juices running (about 15-20 minutes).
- Garnish with cilantro and limes and enjoy!
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This recipe along with the lemon chicken casserole sounds delicious, any suggestions to exchange the lemon and lime for a guest that has acid reflux? I am willing to make this guest a small dish of his own.
You can just leave it out! Hope everyone enjoys!
Hi! My husband made this and it was so delicious and super crispy!! I have a question about the nutritional portion. Are the calories counted per serving or for the whole recipe? If by serving, how much are you quantifying a serving to be?
Can you use chicken legs? Not really a lover of thighs. Recipes sounds delicious and from the reviews it is.
Yes I have heard my followers say they have done this with great success.
Best easiest chicken.
The perfect baked chicken recipe to make on a busy weeknight. I prepared the marinade ahead so all that was left to do was sear the chicken and the put it in the oven the night off. And, it was so good!
Made this tonight and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was in such a short time! My partner ate all of his and wondered why I hadn’t also put in the drumsticks with the thighs. Thanks for making dinner so easy tonight (:
wow, the food looks delicious and attractive, I have never looked and also not enjoy any delicious and attractive dishes like this.
I made this delicious chicken dish last night. My husband and I loved it! Thanks so much for sharing it.
You’re doing incredibly, Jocelyn – be sure to take moments to sit back and let it all sink in! How many beautiful things you have going on. This recipe looks like a keeper for sure. Crispy FTW!