Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy chicken thighs with earthy mushrooms and aromatic thyme cooked in a single skillet for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, avocado oil, cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken skin-side down and cook without moving for 10 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, add mushrooms and thyme leaves to skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning chicken occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and mushrooms are tender and golden.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms?

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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Mushrooms?

French 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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