Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe

This recipe is all about making the most out of simple ingredients. Even though it only requires chicken, olive oil, onion and lemon, these juicy chicken thighs are extremely flavorful. The salt and pepper seasoned chicken thighs are cooked in a cast iron pan until just about cooked through, then half a diced onion is added to the pan. The onions are cooked until they are golden brown and the sugars begin to caramelize while flavoring the chicken as they cook. Finish the recipe with a squeeze of lemon to add brightness and a touch of acidity. 

Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe 

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

• Chicken thighs – I use chicken thighs because they are both a cheaper cut as well as extremely flavorful. Skin on, bone in chicken thighs can also be used though boneless cooks evenly and more quickly making for a versatile protein. 
• Onion – They are not as deeply cooked as caramelized onions, they are more similar to the stage of grilled onions. I use yellow onion in this recipe for its mellow flavor when cooked. These onions with a brownish yellow papery skin are a great all-purpose cooking onion.  Shallots, which are more mild in flavor, can also be used in this recipe. 
• Lemon – Remove the seeds from the lemon before using it. Squeeze the lemon over the chicken with the cut side in your hand to catch any seeds that may still be in the citrus.

How to Make This Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe

1. Season the chicken. Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat pan. Heat a large cast iron pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat through.
3. Cook the chicken. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and continue to cook for an additional minute then add the onions to the pan.
4. Add the onions. Continue to cook until the chicken has cooked through and the onions are golden brown, about an additional 5 minutes.
5. Finish and serve. Remove from the pan and squeeze the lemon over the chicken. Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

• For variations on this recipe try adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme before serving. 
• Try adding a cup of white wine to the pan in the last few minutes of cooking for an easy white wine pan sauce. 

Other Recipes to Try

Try pairing this chicken thigh recipe with some of these ideas: 

• Roasted Broccolini with Garlic and Red Wine Vinegar
• Creamed Spinach
• Miso Butter Sweet Potato Spears

Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe

Print Pin

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Serves 4

US Customary – Metric

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt, as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• ½ medium lemon

Instructions:

• Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large cast iron pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat through.
• Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and continue to cook for an additional minute then add the onions to the pan.
• Continue to cook until the chicken has cooked through and the onions are golden brown, about an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove from the pan and squeeze the lemon over the chicken. Serve hot.

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