Lemon, garlic, and herbs always remind me of the food I grew up with, simple, bold, and full of character. This recipe for Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs is one I make on repeat. If you’ve been looking for a no-fuss way of cooking chicken thighs in a skillet, this one’s reliable, flavorful, and quick to pull together. Recipe includes a how-to video!
This skillet boneless skinless chicken thigh recipe is one I make all the time. It uses ingredients I always have, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice, and somehow it never gets boring.
The rosemary and oregano give it that Mediterranean feel, like the kind of meals you eat outside in summer.
It’s one of those recipes using boneless skinless chicken thighs that just works.
Letting it marinate makes all the difference. Just an hour is good, but overnight turns it into the most tender, flavorful chicken.
These skillet cooked boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicy, bold, and full of flavor, exactly what I want in a weeknight dinner.
If you’re after a reliable recipe for cooking chicken thighs, this one never fails me.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 🧾Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 📖Variations
- 🍽 What to Serve with Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 💭Tips for Recipe Success
- 🐓More Chicken Recipes to Try!
- 🍛More Dinner Recipes!
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Marinates Beautifully Overnight: The longer it sits, the more flavor it soaks in, perfect for planning ahead.
- Bright and Garlicky: The lemon and garlic combo gives the chicken a fresh, bold flavor I never get tired of.
- No Special Tools Needed: Just a bowl and a pan or grill, which makes cleanup easy.
- Great for Leftovers: The chicken stays juicy, and the flavors deepen overnight.
🧾Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs Ingredients
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I like using thighs because they stay tender and juicy, even if you cook them a few minutes longer than planned.
- Lemon Juice: I always use fresh lemon juice for that clean, zesty flavor; it’s the heart of the marinade.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It helps carry all the flavors into the chicken and keeps everything moist as it cooks.
- Garlic Cloves: I prefer using fresh garlic here; it gives the marinade a sharp kick that mellows as it cooks.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds just the right amount of smoky depth, and a warm color I really like.
- Rosemary: A fresh sprig makes all the difference; it adds that Mediterranean aroma that reminds me of home.
- Oregano: This herb ties it all together with an earthy note that pairs so well with lemon and garlic.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just enough seasoning to bring out all the other flavors without overpowering them.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but I always prefer letting it marinate overnight for best results.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
4. Rest before Serving: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so it stays juicy.
📖Variations
- Add Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat, I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- Try Fresh Thyme Instead of Rosemary: It gives a softer herbal note that pairs well with the lemon.
- Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat, this recipe works with chicken breasts, too, just be careful not to overcook.
- Add Honey to the Marinade: A teaspoon of honey brings a slight sweetness that balances the lemon and garlic beautifully.
🍽 What to Serve with Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs
I love pairing this chicken with fried potatoes or potato wedges: they soak up any extra juices and make it feel comforting.
For something fresh, a bowl of marinated tomatoes is just right, especially when they’re ripe and juicy.
You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or toss it into a pasta dish with extra virgin olive oil and herbs.
And if you’re packing lunch the next day, this chicken is perfect in a wrap with arugula and a little aioli or pepper mayonnaise.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Don’t Rush the Marinade: I’ve found the flavor gets way better when you let it sit overnight; it’s worth the wait.
Use a Hot Pan: Starting with a properly heated pan gives the chicken a nice golden crust without drying it out.
Strip the Rosemary: I strip the rosemary leaves before adding them to the marinade, so they mix in better and don’t burn.
Make it Ahead: I often marinate the chicken the night before and cook it fresh the next day; it saves time.
Storing Leftovers: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like using it cold in wraps or adding it to a salad.
🐓More Chicken Recipes to Try!
If you’re enjoying these Italian Boneless Chicken Thighs, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious chicken recipes too:
- Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Chipotle Chicken Thighs
- Cucumber Chicken Salad
- Italian Dressing Chicken
- Chicken au Poivre
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Avocado Chicken Salad
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Italian Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 2 Lemon Juice
- 50 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Sprig Rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
Can’t wait to try these Italian boneless skinless chicken thighs, love how simple and flavorful they sound with garlic, lemon, and herbs!