Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared outdoors with fresh garlic and thyme, delivering a rustic and aromatic meal perfect for open-air cooking. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, smashed fresh garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on your outdoor grill or camp stove until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Season 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs evenly with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Place skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and add 6 smashed garlic cloves and 4 fresh thyme sprigs around the pan. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
  4. Step 4: Cook for an additional 15-18 minutes over medium heat, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes before serving, spooning pan juices and garlic over the top for extra flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Outdoor Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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