This simple pan fried boneless chicken thigh recipe is an easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table fast. Skinless and boneless pan seared chicken thighs are easy to cook, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside.
Pan fried boneless skinless chicken thighs are a "go-to" dinner option in our home because they are so tasty, moist, tender, and versatile.
It's difficult to overcook chicken thighs because of their fat content. They sear beautifully in a pan and create a nice fond (caramelized drippings) on the bottom of the pan that is also delicious.
How To Cook Chicken Thighs In A Pan on The Stove
The pan generally has to be pre-heated on the stove before searing meat in most recipes. BUT, chicken thighs have enough fat and collagen in them that the pan doesn't need to be pre-heated first.
The addition of any oil, fat, or butter to the chicken thighs depends on how you want them to taste and also how high of a heat the chicken thighs are being seared at.
If chicken thighs are cooked at a lower heat on the stove for a longer time, then they will not need any additional fat.
If chicken thighs are cooked at a higher heat on the stove for a shorter time and the pan gets dry then add a little butter or oil to the pan.
Adding butter or oil (ie. - vegetable, olive, avocado, coconut, safflower) makes this chicken thigh recipe even richer and more flavorful.
How Long To Pan Fry Boneless Chicken Thighs On The Stove
Chicken thighs take ~6-8 minutes per side to cook in a pan on the stove. See video.
- Sear the chicken thighs on medium high heat on the first side for 6-8 minutes in a skillet uncovered or until browned.
- Flip and cook covered another 6-8 minutes or until browned.
- I like to flip one more time to the first side and sear again for ~ 3 minutes uncovered.
Internal temperature of chicken thighs should register 165F in the middle and the juices should run clear.
What Kind Of Pan Is Easiest To Pan Fry Chicken Thighs?
Any pan or skillet will work for pan searing boneless chicken thighs. Having said that, a shallow pan will sear chicken easier, because the steam won't get trapped in the pan.
Generally 8 chicken thighs or (~ two pounds of boneless skinless chicken) will fit in a 12" skillet.
Chicken is generally easier for most people to sear in a non-stick pan. Non stick pans also need less or no additional fat to facilitate the sear.
What To Serve With Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
First of all, this pan seared chicken thigh recipe is fantastic on it's own. Both kids and adults love it. Serve it over a salad or with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, vegetables, whatever.
Having said that, dress up pan fried chicken thighs with different sauces or gravies like: Mushroom gravy, Plum coulis, Grape glaze, Basil pesto, or even something as simple as a little soy sauce. The possibilities are endless with this simple stovetop pan seared boneless chicken thigh recipe.
Step up your game and create a sauce for the boneless chicken thighs with the addition of a little chicken broth, wine, or milk/cream to the fond in the pan. Cook and remove chicken first and then add chicken back into the reduced sauce.
Just remember to reduce the sauce and cook at a low simmer for ~3-8 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Don't add salt until the end, because the liquid will burn off but the salt will remain. Salt will intensify as the liquid evaporates.
Pan Fried Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe FAQS
Generally speaking, it takes 15-18 minutes to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs.
YUP! This recipe with instructional video show how to pan fry chicken without the skin and get a perfect sear. Non stick skillets make this easiest.
It's easy. Add skinless chicken thighs to a pan. Cook uncovered ~ 6-8 minutes until seared brown on one side. Flip cook covered ~ 6-8 minutes on the other side until seared.
The thighs should be done at this point and cooked through to 165F in the middle with juices running clear. I like to double sear again by flipping and cooking another 3 minutes on the first side uncovered.
Delicious and Easy Pan Fried Boneless Chicken Thighs
EatSimpleFood.com
This simple pan fried boneless skinless chicken thigh recipe is an easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table fast. Make them richer by adding more oil or butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (~2 pounds), excess fat removed if needed
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil or butter, optional
Instructions
- Salt and pepper chicken thighs
- Place in a 12" skillet (I prefer non-stick) and cook uncovered on medium-high heat ~6-8 minutes on the top side (the side you will present on the plate) or until golden brown. Don't disturb the thighs too much but double check one of them about ⅔ of the way through to make sure it's not burning.
- Flip, reduce heat a wee bit, and cook covered ~ 6 minutes. Add olive oil or butter at this point if needed or desired (this will make it richer).
- Flip back to the presentation side, increase heat a wee bit, and sear uncovered again for ~ 3 minutes or until it looks beautifully browned.
- Add salt to taste. Happy eating! Beckie
Notes
- Most recipes, the pan has to be pre-heated before searing the meat. Chicken thighs have so much fat and collagen that you don't need to pre-heat the pan and you may not need any additional oil, fat, or butter depending on how you want it to taste. More butter = richer.
- Eat this dish as is or top it off with sautéed mushrooms, gravy, sauces, or relishes.
Things In My Kitchen:
- 12" and 9" Kitchen Tongs - stainless steel. Use tongs all day every day cooking.
- 12" non-stick pan - generally fits 8 chicken thighs or ~ 2 pounds.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this easy pan fried boneless skinless chicken thigh recipe on it's own or dress it up with a vibrant or savory sauce like:
You May Also Like
If you like dark chicken meat or chicken thigh recipes, check out these banging dishes:
