Easy skillet chicken became a go-to for me one hectic weeknight when I was staring into the fridge wondering how to turn a pack of chicken thighs into something fast but delicious and I didn’t want to dirty a bunch of pans so I tossed everything into one skillet with a few simple ingredients and let the heat do the work. The golden sear, the buttery sauce, and the minimal cleanup had me instantly sold and I’ve been making it ever since.

Now it’s one of those no-fail recipes I turn to when I want something savory and satisfying without the stress and what I love most is how easy it is to dress up or keep simple depending on what I’ve got on hand and the result is always juicy, flavorful chicken with the most irresistible glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Boneless chicken thighs – Cook up tender and juicy, perfect for quick skillet meals.
Olive oil – Helps create that golden, flavorful sear.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
Garlic – Brings warmth and deep savory flavor to the dish.
Chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and builds the base of the sauce.
Honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory.
Dijon mustard – Adds subtle sharpness and helps thicken the glaze.
Salt and pepper – Essential for flavoring the chicken properly.
Fresh parsley – Sprinkled on top for color and brightness.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – I use this to cook the chicken and build the sauce all in one.
Tongs – Help flip the chicken easily without losing the crust.
Wooden spoon – Useful for stirring and scraping up browned bits.
Knife and cutting board – For prepping the chicken and garlic.
Measuring spoons – Keep the sauce perfectly balanced.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

I pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps create that golden crust when they hit the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat the olive oil and place the chicken thighs smooth-side down. I cook them for about 5–6 minutes per side until beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Then I transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, I melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic. I let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—it really brings the flavor forward.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. Then I stir in the honey and Dijon mustard, letting the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

I place the chicken thighs back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. I let them simmer for another 2–3 minutes so they soak up all that flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. The chicken is tender, saucy, and ready to be devoured!

Tips

If you prefer chicken breasts, just slice them in half to cook evenly and keep them from drying out. I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can even add mushrooms or onions to the skillet for more texture and depth.

Ways to Serve

Over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce

With roasted vegetables or a side salad for a lighter option

Sliced and stuffed into wraps or sandwiches

Served with pasta and an extra drizzle of sauce

With crusty bread to mop up every bit of glaze

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Skillet Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Easy Skillet Chicken?

Absolutely. Just be sure not to overcook them—they can dry out faster than thighs.

What’s the best pan for making Easy Skillet Chicken?

I recommend a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet for the best sear and flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Easy Skillet Chicken a try soon—it’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Let me know how you liked it!

Happy Cooking!