I came up with this easy skillet chicken on a weeknight when I needed dinner fast and didn’t want to clean a pile of dishes and I had some chicken thighs onions and pantry basics so I tossed everything into one pan and let it simmer and the smell was so comforting that I knew it was going to be a regular in my kitchen

Now I make this dish whenever I want something savory satisfying and quick to clean up because it delivers so much flavor with so little effort and I love how it goes with just about anything from rice to roasted veggies making it a perfect last-minute dinner solution

Ingredients

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

Chicken thighs – Juicy and tender they cook beautifully in a skillet
Onion – Adds a sweet caramelized base to the sauce
Garlic – Infuses the dish with rich aromatic flavor
Soy sauce – Brings a salty umami punch to the glaze
Honey – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness
Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken
Olive oil – Used for searing and flavoring the chicken
Fresh parsley – A bright finishing touch to enhance color and freshness
Salt and black pepper – To season the chicken and balance the sauce

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – A must for searing and simmering everything in one pan
Tongs – Makes flipping and handling the chicken super easy
Cutting board – For prepping your onions and garlic
Sharp knife – Helps slice your aromatics quickly and safely
Measuring spoons – Useful for mixing the sauce components accurately
Wooden spoon or spatula – Great for stirring without scratching the pan

Instructions

Step 1

I start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides to lock in flavor

Step 2

Then I heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown and crisp about 5 to 6 minutes per side

Step 3

Once browned I remove the chicken and set it aside then in the same skillet I sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant

Step 4

In a small bowl I whisk together soy sauce honey and apple cider vinegar to make the sweet and tangy glaze

Step 5

I return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it then I reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through

Step 6

I spoon some of the sauce over the chicken as it cooks to make sure every bite is coated in flavor

Step 7

To finish I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve it hot right from the skillet

Tips

Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts work if that’s what you have

I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of heat

If the sauce reduces too quickly I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up

Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors settle

Ways to Serve

I love serving this over steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce

A side of roasted green beans or sautéed spinach makes it feel complete

For a lighter option I pair it with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts for easy skillet chicken?

Yes just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out

What kind of skillet works best for easy skillet chicken?

I recommend a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan for even browning

Can I make easy skillet chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely it stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or meal prep

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this easy skillet chicken a try! It’s quick flavorful and a one-pan wonder that’ll save your weeknight dinners. Let me know what you pair it with and don’t forget to bookmark this for busy nights ahead!

Happy Cooking!