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. Serve with grains like rice and quinoa or with simple vegetables like blanched and sautéed garlic green beans over salads like this roasted broccoli grain bowl with arugula.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe
How to Make This Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe
Variations on This Recipe
What to Serve with Easy Boneless Chicken Thighs
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Variations on This Recipe

Fresh herbs. Try adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme before serving.
White wine pan sauce. Try adding a cup of white wine to the pan in the last few minutes of cooking for an easy white wine pan sauce.
Marinade. Add the chicken to a marinade like teriyaki sauce in this crispy teriyaki chicken salad or BBQ sauce. Marinate them for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for best flavor.

What to Serve with Easy Boneless Chicken Thighs

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

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between boneless chicken thighs and chicken breasts?

Boneless chicken thighs are darker meat, which makes them more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. They’re also more forgiving and less likely to dry out during cooking.

What’s the ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs?

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, though going slightly higher (170–175°F) still yields tender, juicy results due to the higher fat content.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Boneless chicken thighs reheat well and stay moist, making them perfect for prepping multiple meals for the week.

What sides work best with this recipe?

It’s a very flexible recipe but some great options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, simple salads, or orzo.

Try these other chicken recipes:

I hope you love these easy boneless chicken thighs. If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy!