Crispy on the outside and rich, tender and juicy on the inside is exactly how chicken thighs should be. This recipe one of my go-to’s for reliably creating mouthwatering chicken every single time, and with only a handful of pantry-essential ingredients, it is an easy dinner to put together at short notice. 

Chicken thighs—especially if they’re skin-on—have more fat and therefore are less inclined to dry out, and that is also what ensures the skin crisps up as beautifully as this, holding in all of the flavorful juiciness of that rich, tender dark meat.

Chicken thighs have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. The meat is less expensive than breast and it offers a rich, full flavor that makes it perfect for the classic flavourings I’ve used here: woodsy rosemary sprigs and bright lemon.

Watch Me Make My No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Thighs

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How To Make My No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Thighs

Step 1. Season the chicken thighs and add them to a cold cast iron skillet, skin side down.

Step 2. Turn the heat to medium and cook them without moving them for about 15 to 30 minutes. Reduce the heat if the skin begins to burn before it gets evenly golden brown.

Step 3. Turn the thighs over and stir in the lemon slices, and rosemary sprigs into the pan juices, tucking the rosemary under the chicken.

Step 4. Continue cooking the thighs until the meat closest to the bone is cooked through, about 15 minutes more.

Step 5. Remove the rosemary and serve the thighs and lemony pan drippings with lemon wedges.

Step 6. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks!

• Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the skin gets deliciously crispy.
• If you find the chicken thigh skin isn’t as crispy as you would like, it could mean the skin may not have been completely dry before you added it to the cast iron pan. 
• Don’t move the chicken around too much while cooking or the skin may tear.

This No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Thighs is special because:

Chicken thighs are a less expensive cut of meat, but are just as rich and flavorful as breast

This recipe uses ingredients you will almost certainly have on hand in your pantry

It’s Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Paleo

There’s absolutely no-fuss here!

More easy and delicious chicken recipes?

Miso Teriyaki Chicken (AKA The Best Grilled Chicken)

The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Marinade (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo)

Crispy Grain-Free Chicken Cutlets

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole 30)

If you make my No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Thighs, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!

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