Crispy Skillet Chicken Recipe

Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) Headshot By Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
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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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Overhead shot of crispy skillet baked garlic chicken contained in a cast iron skillet with lime

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Easy and flavorful weeknight dinners are becoming more and more important to me. This fall is shaping up to be a busy one. Work is crazier than ever, which I am so grateful for, and of course, I have my BabyCakes gearing up to make her fantastic debut this winter as well. With this hectic schedule, easy recipes like this crispy skillet baked garlic chicken are a necessity.

Table of Contents

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.

 
Close up of an overhead shot of crispy skillet chicken contained in a cast iron skillet with lime

Ingredients

Before the baking process begins, you have to marinate your chicken thighs composed of the following 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.
Once completed, this baked garlic chicken will be moist and tender and will give your taste buds something they’ll never forget!

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.

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

If you like this skillet baked garlic chicken, then you’ll love the following chicken recipes:
Crispy Skillet Garlic Chicken Recipe | Grandbaby Cakes

Crispy Skillet Baked Garlic Chicken Recipe

Crispy Skillet Baked Garlic Chicken Recipe – Moist chicken thighs are marinated in flavors grounded in delicious garlic and seasonings and baked in a cast iron skillet until brown and crispy! 
4.27 from 15 votes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6 servings

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!

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 482mg | Potassium: 270mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1.1mg
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Filed Under:  Chicken, Dinner, Stovetop

Comments

  3. I am always on the lookout for recipes that are easy but still delicious, and this looks like a total winner in both categories!

    Reply
4.27 from 15 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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