How To Make Chicken in A Cast Iron Skillet | Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Skinless thighs are lower in fat; drumsticks are often cheaper.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium option is better for health; tamari is often similarly priced.

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Season the skin side of the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper.

Flip the chicken and season the opposite side with more salt and pepper, along with garlic powder and smoked paprika if desired.

Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat until hot.

Add coconut oil to the skillet and wait until it shimmers.

Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and cover with a splatter screen.

Cook for 6-8 minutes without touching, until the chicken releases easily from the pan and is golden brown.

Turn off the heat and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425 degrees.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: