One pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes are exactly the kind of meal I turn to after a long day quick, hearty, and full of comfort. I’m Anitta, born and raised just outside Austin, Texas, where dinner meant more than just food. My first real recipe was a creamy chicken casserole for my dad’s birthday forgot the salt, but he still smiled. That’s when I learned that cooking is less about rules and more about heart. These days, I cook fast, flavorful meals with dishes in the sink and music on. If you’re like me craving warmth without the fuss you’re in the right kitchen.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Perfecting the Pan: How to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs the Right Way
High-Heat Searing = Maximum Flavor
The beauty of one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes lies in how quickly you can build flavor with minimal mess. Start by patting the chicken dry this helps it sear, not steam. Then, season generously. I like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Press the seasoning into the chicken. Don’t be shy this step builds your base.
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One Pan Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipes Juicy, Fast & Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 25 mins
Description
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
750 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 pieces)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
30 g salted butter (around 2 tablespoons)
4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
250 g button mushrooms, sliced (smaller mushrooms work best)
1 cup chicken broth/stock
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken on both sides, gently pressing the spices onto the surface without rubbing them in.
(750 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cracked pepper, 1 tsp salt)
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook the chicken in two batches, three pieces at a time. Use the highest heat you want those delicious charred edges for extra flavor. Sear for 5–8 minutes per side, or until the outside is browned to your liking. Remove and set aside. Don’t worry if the centers aren’t fully cooked yet; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Without cleaning the pan (those browned bits = flavor), add the butter to the hot skillet. Stir in the chopped garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until lightly golden. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they’re browned and reduced in size.
(30 g salted butter, 4 cloves garlic, 250 g button mushrooms)
Once the mushrooms are ready, pour in the chicken stock. Keep the heat high for about 30 seconds to deglaze the pan scrape up all the flavorful bits then reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the parmesan, and let the sauce simmer over low heat while stirring continuously.
(1 cup chicken stock, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup shredded parmesan)
When the parmesan has fully melted and the sauce is smooth, return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Simmer until they’re heated through and cooked completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
Key Tip: The magic of this dish comes from charring the chicken on high heat and roughly chopping the garlic. That slightly smoky, earthy flavor is intentional it adds depth without overpowering the sauce.
Doneness: Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the center is no longer pink.
Sauce Thickness:
Want a thicker sauce? Reduce the chicken stock by half and replace that amount with heavy cream.
Prefer a thinner consistency? Simply add more chicken stock, a little at a time, until it reaches the texture you like.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: chicken
Heat olive oil in your pan over high heat. You’re not just cooking you’re charring. Let the thighs hit the skillet and sizzle, about 5–8 minutes per side. You want golden edges, juicy centers, and a slight crisp that adds depth. That smoky crust? It’s what makes one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes so satisfying.
Here’s the key: don’t clean the pan. The flavor from the seared chicken will carry over into the sauce.
For variation, you can also bake your chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. This is ideal for prepping multiple trays at once. It’s a smart way to mix things up especially if you’re exploring different baked chicken thighs recipes or pairing them with simple veggie sides.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce in the Same Pan
Once the chicken is out, reduce the heat slightly. In that same skillet, add butter and chopped garlic. Let it sizzle to release that rich aroma. After a minute, stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned.
Now deglaze with chicken stock or white wine if you prefer. Scrape the bottom to lift all the flavor. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, letting everything simmer until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
This is where one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes shine. The sauce takes on every charred note from the chicken, blending creaminess with savory depth.
Return the chicken to the skillet, simmer another 5 minutes, and serve hot. For a twist, add Dijon mustard, curry powder, or a handful of baby spinach. It’s flexible and fast just like the best weeknight meals.
If this skillet dish hits the spot, try our zesty Greek tortellini pasta salad for a bold side it balances creamy with tangy in the best way.
Baked Options for One Pan Chicken Thigh Recipes That Work
Baking Instead of Frying? Here’s How to Nail It
Sometimes you want to step away from the stove and let the oven do the work. That’s when one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes truly shine. The oven is your best friend for low-effort, high-reward meals.
Preheat to 400°F, and line a baking dish or cast iron skillet with a light brush of olive oil. Place your seasoned thighs inside make sure they don’t touch too closely. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you like crispy tops, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes.
Want to make this meal more exciting? Add veggies like sliced mushrooms, red onions, or garlic cloves directly to the pan. They’ll soak up the juices and roast beautifully, enhancing both texture and flavor.
This oven version of one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes is perfect with comfort sides like chicken and dumplings with biscuits or a bowl of crockpot chicken noodle soup for those colder days.
Marinating Tips & Juicy Oven Tricks
Want your boneless skinless chicken thighs in oven to be ultra-tender and flavorful? Marinade is the key. Try olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs for 30 minutes or let them sit overnight for maximum depth.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Airflow = crispier, better-cooked chicken. After baking, rest the chicken 5 minutes to keep those flavorful juices sealed inside.
These one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes are ideal for batch cooking too. Freeze the extras or enjoy them throughout the week in wraps, salads, or tossed into pasta.
Need another twist? Add citrus zest to the marinade, or try honey mustard for a sweet-savory balance. And for even more flexible chicken ideas, check out our shredded chicken recipes or hearty chicken sausage made easy to expand your weekly rotation.
Storing, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips That Actually Work
Storing One Pan Chicken the Right Way
After cooking one of these rich and comforting one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes, you’ll likely want to save the leftovers (if there are any!). The great news? These chicken thighs hold up perfectly in the fridge or freezer.
To store, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for as long as 3 days or store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, allow it to cool completely before sealing. I always portion into individual containers ideal for grab-and-go meals or reheating just what you need.
Need more easy meals? Try our white chicken chili crockpot for another hearty option that stores just as well.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor
The secret to keeping those juicy bites intact is gentle reheating. For the stovetop, reheat the chicken in its sauce over medium-low heat. Add a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave? Use a covered dish and low heat, checking every 30 seconds.
Want to make it crispy again? Try a quick pass under the broiler or a few minutes in an air fryer.
Because one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes are naturally saucy and flavorful, they reheat better than dry cuts. I often use leftovers in wraps, with pasta, or even diced into our salad meal prep for quick lunches.
Conclusion
When you’re short on time but still crave something hearty and satisfying, these one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes deliver big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re searing them on the stovetop, roasting in the oven, or finishing with a creamy garlic mushroom sauce, they’re endlessly flexible.
You don’t need complicated steps or rare ingredients just real food, a hot pan, and bold seasoning. This dish works for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or even meal prep for the days ahead. Add your own twist with herbs, vegetables, or a hint of spice.
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Your Chicken Thigh Questions Answered
What is the best way to cook skinless boneless chicken thighs?
The best way is high-heat searing in a skillet to lock in juices and create a golden crust. Follow with a quick simmer in a flavorful sauce for perfectly tender results. For ease, try one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes that combine both steps efficiently.
How to cook skinless chicken thighs in a pan?
Pat them dry, season generously, and sear in olive oil over high heat for 5–8 minutes per side. Finish cooking in a sauce or lower heat until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
How to cook boneless skinless chicken without drying it out?
Avoid overcooking and always rest the meat. Using marinades and finishing the thighs in a creamy or stock-based sauce (like in one pan boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes) keeps them juicy.
How long does it take for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to go in the oven?
At 400°F, they take about 20–25 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What is the best marinade for chicken thighs?
A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and herbs works wonders. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Is it better to cook chicken thighs fast or slow?
Searing quickly locks in moisture. Simmering them slowly in sauce after searing gives maximum tenderness and flavor.
What is the secret to the juiciest chicken?
Searing, proper resting, and finishing in a sauce are key. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
How do you prepare chicken thighs before cooking?
Trim excess fat, pat dry, and season well. You can also marinate for enhanced flavor.
How long do boneless, skinless chicken thighs take in a pan?
About 5–8 minutes per side on high heat, depending on thickness. Finish in sauce for another 5 minutes if needed.
What tenderizes chicken thighs?
Marinades with acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) and salt help break down proteins. Gentle simmering in sauce also tenderizes beautifully.
