Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs infused with rosemary and garlic, finished with a fragrant herb oil for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, dried rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, stir in 2 tsp dried rosemary, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour over rested chicken and serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary?
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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary?
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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Rosemary?
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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.