The Best 1 Pan Chicken Thigh Recipe

How we doing folks! Let’s talk chicken thighs. Yes, chicken thighs. I know, chicken can often be that bland, overcooked meat you’ve probably tried to avoid. But trust me, this recipe is about to change your mind. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make.

Today, I’m sharing the best 1 pan chicken thigh recipe you’ll ever try, complete with an herby side sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean. Let’s dive in!

Why Chicken Thighs?

First off, why chicken thighs? When it comes to flavor and juiciness, chicken thighs reign supreme.

They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts and are perfect for a one-pan meal. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give you that crispy skin and tender meat that’s hard to beat. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to prep chicken thighs to perfection, you’re in the right place.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 3 tbs tomato paste
• 2 tbs yogurt
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tbs smoked paprika
• 1 tbs oregano

For the Herby Side Sauce:

• 4 tbs Greek yogurt
• 1 handful cilantro or mint, chopped
• ½ jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt to taste

How to Prep Chicken Thighs

The secret to the best chicken thigh recipe lies in the prep. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, tomato paste, yogurt, garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and oregano. This marinade is going to infuse your chicken with incredible flavor.
2. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them overnight in the fridge for even better results.
3. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it hot to get that skin crispy.

Cooking the Baked Chicken Thighs

1. Pan Time: Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
2. Flip and Bake: Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The result? Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a crisp skin.

Making the Herby Side Sauce

While your chicken is roasting, let’s whip up the herby side sauce. This sauce is a game-changer and pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chicken thighs.

1. Mix it Up: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro or mint, jalapeno, olive oil, and red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Blend: For a smoother sauce, you can blend the ingredients until creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, just mix it by hand. Here is the blender I use

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent. Serve the chicken thighs with a generous dollop of the herby side sauce.

Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only delicious but also impressive enough for guests.

Other Chicken recipe you might love!

If you liked this recipe, here are others you will love too!

Greek Chicken Salad Bowls

Coconut Sriracha Chicken

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta