Description
A simple and comforting recipe for crispy chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned with salt and cracked pepper for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 4 boneless breasts, pounded thin)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more if desired
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed or avocado)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
- Fresh herbs or lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, seasoning both sides generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Lay the chicken into the pan skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure contact. Cook without moving for 6–8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Add the smashed garlic and butter if using; spoon the melted butter and oil over the chicken for 2–4 minutes to finish cooking.
- Remove the chicken to a warm plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, deglaze the pan for a quick sauce.
Notes
For the crispiest skin, avoid overcrowding the pan and season the chicken well. Let it sit at room temperature before cooking to achieve better browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, salt and pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, one-pan dinner
