Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Shallots
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs infused with the earthy aroma of thyme and caramelized shallots, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces Chicken thighs, tablespoons Olive oil, ounces Shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 ounces Shallots
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 ounces chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip chicken and add 3 ounces sliced shallots, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon chopped thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until shallots are translucent, then squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Shallots take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Shallots?
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 ounces chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Shallots?
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 Shallots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shallots?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Another winner from the cookbook. The sear was perfect and the sauce was rich.
- ★★★★★
The thyme and shallots really elevated the chicken. Served with mashed potatoes, it was perfect.
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy, and the dish came out restaurant-quality.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.