Preheat your oven to 450°F with the rack in the middle position. This high heat is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin on the chicken thighs.
Grab a heavy-bottomed, 12-inch oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, melt one tablespoon of ghee (or your oil of choice) in the pan. Add the sliced shallots and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
While the shallots are cooking, generously sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the chicken thighs. This step is essential for building flavor.
Next, take the soaked shiitake mushrooms, squeeze out any excess liquid, and slice off the woody stems. Thinly slice the caps and set them aside.
Once the shallots are wilted, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and smashed garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for about a minute or until aromatic, then transfer the veggies to a plate.
Return the skillet to the stovetop, wipe it out with a paper towel, and crank the heat up to medium-high. It’s time to sear the chicken thighs! Place them skin-side down in the hot pan and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully browned and crispy.
While the skin is crisping, season the meaty side with freshly ground black pepper. The aroma will be intoxicating!
Once the skin is golden brown, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, stir the fish sauce into the bone broth, then pour this mixture around the chicken in the pan, being careful not to wet the crispy skin.
Now, return the reserved shallots, mushrooms, and garlic to the pan, tucking them between the chicken thighs without covering the skin.
Transfer the skillet to the hot oven and roast the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check!
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using heat-proof gloves. Taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust as needed. Finally, garnish the chicken with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and cilantro before serving.
