Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs is a rich, creamy, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Perfectly baked chicken thighs are served with a rich and creamy garlic and lemon sauce.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs Recipe Highlights
- EASY TO PREPARE – With a straightforward seasoning and cooking process, this recipe is ideal for those busy evenings.
- RICH FLAVORS – The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika provides a depth of flavor that elevates the humble chicken thigh.
- FLAVORFUL & JUICY – The combination of seasoning and cooking techniques ensures each thigh is delicious.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN THIGHS – We use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone-in thighs hold more flavor and remain juicier during cooking.
OLIVE OIL – Used to coat the chicken, ensuring even cooking and adding a subtle flavor. Olive oil also helps in crisping up the skin. It also has a high smoke point, so it’s perfect for baking chicken in the oven. Alternatively, you can also use avocado oil.
CHICKEN SEASONING (GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, SMOKED PAPRIKA) – We use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. And, of course, salt and pepper.
HEAVY CREAM & CHICKEN BROTH – Combine to create a rich and creamy sauce that complements the chicken. The broth adds depth, while the cream brings a rich texture.
BUTTER – Adds richness and helps in cooking the garlic to perfection. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your dish.
CORNSTARCH – Used to thicken the sauce, giving it the perfect consistency.
How To Make Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- SEASON & PREP – Mix spices and coat the chicken, then place seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in a cast iron skillet and sear until browned.
- BAKE – Flip and bake the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through and the skin stays crisp.
- SAUCE – Combine garlic, butter, broth, cream, and remaining drippings in the same skillet.
- FINISH & SERVE – Thicken with cornstarch and add lemon juice. Return the chicken to the skillet and serve.
Leftovers
STORE – Keep any leftover chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
REHEAT – Warm in a skillet or the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Recipe Success Tips
TEMPERATURE CHECK – Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. You’re aiming for 165º Fahrenheit to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
REST BEFORE SERVING – Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven is key. It lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
TASTE AND ADJUST – Don’t hesitate to taste your sauce as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can make a world of difference.
Serving Suggestions
WITH GRAINS – Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or one of my favorite roasted potatoes and carrots for a complete meal.
VEGETABLES – Add a side dish of roasted vegetables, such as our candied carrots as our Crack Green Beans, to serve a simple but delicious balanced meal.
BREAD FOR DIPPING – Grab some crusty homemade bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.
LIGHT SALAD – A fresh salad such as our chopped tomato salad or German Cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast.
LEMON FOR ZEST – Lemon wedges can add a fresh, zesty note.
More Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes
Chicken and Rice Casserole – A comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken and creamy rice.
Easy Chicken Stroganoff – A quick twist on the classic stroganoff featuring chicken in a creamy sauce.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – A homestyle favorite filled with chicken and vegetables in a rich gravy.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup – An addictive blend of chicken, noodles, and savory flavors in a warming soup.
Cajun Chicken Pasta– Spicy and creamy, this pasta dish is a lively spin on traditional chicken meals.
Honey Garlic Chicken – Tender-fried chicken in a sweet and savory sauce
Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (5 pieces) chicken thighs bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
- Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs, place in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with the seasoning. Toss until all chicken thighs are well coated.
- Cook the chicken thighs skin side down in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Allow the chicken thighs to cook for about 5 minutes or until the skin is golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs and place the skillet in the preheated oven. Allow the chicken thighs to cook for 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature (165º Fahrenheit).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest and cover with foil.
- Add garlic and butter to the cast iron skillet. Saute the garlic in the remaining chicken drippings and melted butter over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Pour the slurry into the skillet, reduce the heat, and stir to combine; once thickened, stir in the lemon juice.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.