Fried Chicken Thighs in a Skillet
Simple, tasty, and affordable - perfect for any occasion! Fried chicken thighs in a skillet are juicy, aromatic, and full of flavor. When you need a quick and delicious meal, this recipe always works. You can cook any part of the chicken this way.
Updated : 27 October, 2025
Easy
About 20 min.
Ingredients
4
Chicken thighs
2
Onion
1
Garlic
to taste
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Greens
40 milliliters
Vegetable oil
40 milliliters
Water
1 teaspoon
Butter
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
If you’re using frozen chicken thighs, thaw them first at room temperature. Singe them slightly to remove any remaining feathers or fuzz, rinse under cold running water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2
I used whole chicken legs and separated the drumsticks from the thighs. You can cook both parts or just one.
Step 3
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet with a thick bottom. Place the thighs in the pan and fry until golden brown.
Step 4
Flip each piece and continue frying until a crispy, golden crust forms.
Step 5
Add a bit of water to the pan, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer the chicken for 30-40 minutes. Occasionally open the lid to check that there’s still some liquid and that the meat isn’t burning. If needed, add a little boiling water to keep the chicken braising. Adjust as needed so nothing sticks or burns.
Step 6
While the chicken cooks, peel the onions and garlic. Slice the onions into thin rings or half-rings, and crush or finely chop the garlic.
Step 7
After the chicken is fully cooked, remove the lid. If there’s still a lot of liquid, increase the heat slightly to let the excess evaporate. Add butter (optional), onions, and garlic to the pan. Season with salt and your favorite spices. Fry until the onions are tender and golden.
Step 8
Sprinkle the finished dish with finely chopped herbs - dill, parsley, green onions, or cilantro all work great.
Step 9
Done! Serve hot and enjoy.