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    Home » Recipes » Entree

    Published: Aug 9, 2018 ·Updated: Aug 7, 2018 by Sabra · 8 Comments

    Crispy Chicken Thighs | Keto, Paleo, Whole 30

    Jump to Recipe Rate this Recipe

    This recipe for super crispy chicken thighs is completely foolproof. With this recipe, your chicken will turn out perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside every single time! 


    This Mom's Menu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links but all opinions are my own. I may earn money from purchases made through the links shared here (at no additional cost to you)


    Up until recently, I totally sucked at pan frying chicken. I either wound up with perfectly crispy skin, and a completely raw inside, OR I had skin that charred with juicy meat on the inside. There was no middle ground here.

    So for years I have completely avoided buying chicken with the skin on, which is super sad because it's common knowledge that the skin of the chicken is the best part.

    Thank goodness I stumbled upon an Instagram post from Bon Appetit a few weeks ago, that held the secret I had been looking for. From that day on my life was forever changed, and lucky for you, yours is about to change too!

    So what is this life changing secret you ask?

    Trust me when I say that it probably goes against everything that you think you know about cooking, but I promise it works! To make the crispiest chicken that you have ever had in your life - you place the chicken into a cold pan! No preheating the skillet whatsoever! 

    That's it, simple as that!

    Well, it's actually not quite as simple as that, so be sure to read the recipe card below for the complete run down 🙂

    I've kept the seasoning in this recipe super basic and simple so the chicken (and it's crazy crispy skin) can really shine, but feel free to season it however you wish. I think some Cajun seasoning would be terrific! 

    You will want to avoid adding any liquid to the top of the chicken until you are serving, otherwise you risk making the skin soggy - and that is the exact opposite of what we are trying to accomplish here. 

    Also,  don't worry if chicken thighs aren't your thing - you can substitute any piece of skin on chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time according to the size of the chicken pieces you are using. 

    Be sure to check out these other great recipes from This Mom's Menu:

    • Korean Ground Beef | Keto, Paleo, Whole 30
    • Chicken Adobo | Keto, Paleo
    • Low Carb Crispy Chicken Tenders

    Crispy Chicken Thighs | Keto, Paleo, Whole 30

    Sabra - This Mom's Menu
    This recipe for super crispy chicken thighs is completely foolproof. With this recipe, your chicken will turn out perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside every single time!
    5 from 10 reviewers
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 5 servings
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or other oil suitable for high heat
    • 2 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Pepper
    • 2 cloves of minced garlic
    • ½ cup chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
    • 1 large lemon sliced across the width

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the your oven to 425 degrees F.
    • Using a paper towel, pat the chicken thighs dry and season them liberally with salt and pepper
    • Spread the oil in the bottom of a large cast iron skillet, or other heavy, oven safe skillet.  Arrange the chicken, skin side down in the skillet. 
    • Place the skillet over medium heat and cook until the chicken skin is brown and crispy, and easily releases from the bottom of the skillet (about 14-16 minutes) 
    • Transfer the chicken, skin side up to a plate and set aside. 
    • Add the minced garlic to the skillet, still over medium heat. Cook until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes) then add the chicken broth and stir to release any chicken bits from the bottom of the pan. 
    • Add the rosemary, and evenly distribute the lemon slices flat on the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. 
    • Return the chicken, still skin side up, to the skillet, sitting it on top of the lemon slices. 
    • Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees. 
    • Serve the chicken drizzled with the liquid sauce from the bottom of the skillet, but refrain from pouring the sauce over the chicken until immediately before serving to prevent making the skin soggy. 

    Notes

    Nutrition info for one serving (one chicken thigh) - 194 calories, 13g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 20g protein 
     

    Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.

    The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thismomsmenu or tag #thismomsmenu
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heidi L says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:05 pm

      This recipe was awesome. Although I mistakenly did not buy chicken thighs with skin on, the results were still fantastic and super flavorful. My hubby was impressed. I can’t wait to try with skin. 5 stars!

      Reply
      • Sabra says

        October 29, 2018 at 8:58 pm

        Thanks Heidi! Glad you enjoyed it, chicken thighs are the BEST!

        Reply
    2. Sandy Aguilar says

      November 05, 2018 at 7:31 pm

      This is so good and tastes fresh with lemon! Will def add it to my recipes! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Ann E Burke says

      August 14, 2019 at 11:03 am

      Making this a 2nd time. Adding it to my list of favorites.

      Reply
      • Sabra says

        August 16, 2019 at 4:53 pm

        Thanks so much for the great review Ann 🙂

        Reply
    4. Shari says

      August 23, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Thus recipe is assume. I used four thighs because that is what I had, also 1/2 T lemon juice, & I used fresh thyme. I also made this in the instant pot.

      Reply
      • Sabra says

        August 25, 2019 at 10:25 am

        So glad that you enjoyed it Shari!

        Reply
    5. Mary says

      January 08, 2021 at 9:59 pm

      I believe by your recipes that you are either from the south or have been greatly influenced by a southerner. You have many wonderful recipes. I do have one question. Why do your recipes not include a photo? Even when I click "Include Image" it doesn't. I really like having a photo with the recipe. Thanks

      Reply

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    Hi! I am Sabra and I'm the face behind This Mom's Menu. I live just outside of Louisville Kentucky with my husband and four kids. Here at This Mom's Menu, you can expect to find family-friendly, healthy recipes plus articles about what is helping me get through my daily to-do list with a little sanity to spare! My favorite things right now are fresh flowers, eggs, and re-runs of The Office ...

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