I recently made a YouTube video for 3 ways to make the perfect chicken breast, and you guys loved it. So I thought I would follow that up with the ultimate guide on how to make chicken thighs. I have 3 techniques that are sure to render the most juicy, tender chicken thighs you have ever made. The first technique is my favorite. Check out my guide on how to make chicken breasts. The chicken thighs start out on the stove and end up in the pan, where the skin gets the crispiest.
There are many ways to cook chicken thighs, which are a tasty and juicy cut of meat. You need to know how long to cook chicken thighs on each side, though, if you want them to be tender and delicious. When you know how to do it right, you can always serve juicy chicken thighs. This complete guide will talk about the best ways, times, and tips for cooking chicken thighs to perfection.
Determining the Optimal Cook Time
Chicken thighs should be cooked for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side when frying them in a pan over medium-high heat. To let the heat reach the bone, cook bone-in thighs for an extra 8 to 10 minutes on each side.
Several factors impact overall cook time
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Bone-in vs boneless – Bones conduct heat slower than meat requiring 2-3 extra minutes of cook time.
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Skin-on vs skinless – Skin-on needs extra time to crisp the skin. Skinless cooks faster.
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Thickness – Plump thick thighs need more time than thin ones.
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Cooking method – Grilling, pan searing, baking etc. have varied cook times.
While cook times serve as a guide, using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to assess doneness. Chicken thighs are safely cooked at 165°F-175°F internally.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked chicken thighs every time:
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Pat dry – Dab chicken with paper towels before cooking to improve browning.
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Preheat properly – Ensure pans or grill are fully preheated before adding chicken.
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Don’t crowd the pan – Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming instead of searing.
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Resist flipping frequently – Let thighs sear undisturbed before flipping to build fond.
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Allow resting – Let thighs rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer – This provides precise doneness reading for safety.
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Check thickness – Thicker thighs need more time than thin ones. Adjust accordingly.
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Monitor closely – Remain vigilant and adjust cook times as needed.
Handy Cooking Methods for Juicy Chicken Thighs
Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is ideal for achieving a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Use a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Let the thighs sear undisturbed before flipping. Spoon pan juices over the thighs as they cook.
Grilling
The high dry heat of the grill gives chicken thighs a delicious char. Use direct medium heat. Grill skin-side down first. Move thighs to indirect heat if flaming occurs. Baste with barbecue sauce glaze in the final minutes if desired.
Baking
Baking allows for very even, fuss-free cooking. Arrange thighs on a baking sheet and bake in a 400°F oven until cooked through and browned. For added flavor, coat with spices, herbs, or a zesty wet rub before baking.
Air Frying
When you air fry chicken thighs, they get deliciously crispy with little or no oil. Flip the chicken over once and cook at 380°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 175°F. Spray thighs with oil to promote browning if needed.
Slow Simmering
Low, slow cooking renders out fat and connects flavors beautifully. For the most tender chicken thighs, simmer them in soups, stews, or braises with the bones still in. Cook times range from 30 minutes to 2+ hours.
Pressure Cooking
A pressure cooker dramatically decreases cook time while infusing flavor. Cook boneless thighs for 8-10 minutes, bone-in for 14-18 minutes on high pressure. Allow natural pressure release.
Flavorful Marinades and Spice Rubs
Infusing chicken thighs with flavor via marinades or dry rubs takes them to the next level.
Easy Marinade Ideas
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Greek: lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil
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Asian: soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
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Italian: balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, parsley
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Tex-Mex: chili powder, cumin, lime juice, cilantro
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Indian: yogurt, garam masala, cumin, turmeric
Straightforward Spice Rubs
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Jerk: allspice, thyme, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic
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BBQ: brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, pepper
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Lemon-Herb: lemon zest, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder
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Cajun: paprika, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, oregano
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Follow these tips to troubleshoot any cooking issues:
Undercooked: Return thighs to heat and continue cooking until 165°F internal temp is reached.
Overcooked and dry: Use broth or sauce to add moisture back. Opt for lower heat and less cook time next try.
Burned exterior: Use lower heat setting and monitor closely. Tent foil over thighs if needed.
Uneven cooking: Ensure skillet or grill is well-preheated before adding thighs. Cook in batches to avoid crowding.
Rub slips off: Let rub sit on thighs in fridge for 30+ minutes before cooking to help it adhere.
Skin isn’t crispy: Use higher heat and let skin fully render fat before flipping. Finish under broiler if needed.
Masterfully Cooked Chicken Thighs Are Just Minutes Away
With the proper technique, achieving mouthwateringly juicy chicken thighs is easy. Keep cook times, preparation methods, and seasoning tips in mind for perfect results every time. Soon you’ll be serving up expertly cooked chicken thighs to rave reviews from family and friends. Get cooking and savor flavorful chicken thighs tonight!
How To Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs In The Pan
Boneless and skinless chicken thighs cook very quickly and have much more flavor than chicken breasts. The first thing is to apply the spice rub to both sides of the thigh along with a generous pinch of salt. The spice rub is a great way to add big flavor without adding any fat or calories. Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and thyme will make the most flavorful spice rub for your chicken, so make sure to always have your pantry stocked with some spices.
Preheat a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes with 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and let them cook for 4 minutes. Once the chicken thighs are in the pan, don’t touch them. Let them get nice and crusty. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Allow the chicken thighs to rest 3-5 minutes and enjoy.
How To Make Chicken Thighs With Crispy Skin
This might be the best way to ever cook chicken thighs! The skin gets so crispy, and the meat stays juicy. This method for coking chicken thighs involves a cast iron pan, the stove-top, and the oven. Here are the steps for making the chicken thighs.
Allow the chicken thighs to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Cold meat in a hot oven or hot pan will cook unevenly and be tough. Make sure to pat the skin dry with paper towels, moisture will prevent the skin from getting crispy.
- Sprinkle salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper all over the chicken, but only on the skin side. Rub the spices into the skin with your hands.
- Warm up a big cast iron pan with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Put the chicken thighs in the pan with the skin side down when it’s hot. Don’t touch them for 8 minutes. Let the chicken do its thing and get nice and crusty. Don’t move them around. Put the pan in the oven and cook them for 9 minutes with the skin side down. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
- Move the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. The chicken thighs will lose their juices and become dry if you cut them now.
You will be amazed at just how crispy the skin is and the way the spices have seared into the crust. This is the next best thing to fried chicken, and much healthier. Try my low-carb golden cauliflower rice or roasted spaghetti squash as a side dish for these chicken thighs.
How to cook chicken thighs in a pan for dinner!! #food #cooking #foodie
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken thighs?
Cook chicken thighs, 3 to 4 at a time, not to crowd the pan. Cook 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook 5 to 7 minutes on the other side, until golden brown. Always check with the meat thermometer. It should show at least 165 degrees F in the thickest part of each thigh. How do I know if my chicken thighs are done?.
How to cook chicken thighs?
In a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear chicken thighs in batches until they are browned on all sides and the middle is no longer pink. This should take about 8 minutes per side, depending on how thick they are. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. In the same pan or skillet, add olive oil and put the mushrooms.
How do you cook chicken thighs in a frying pan?
Mix seasoning in a small bowl and sprinkle over chicken. Rub into the meat. Flip and repeat on the other side. Heat up oil in a skillet. Add butter and let it melt. Cook chicken thighs, 3 to 4 at a time, not to crowd the pan. Put one side in the oven for 5 minutes and then flip it over. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.
How long do you cook bone in chicken thighs?
Lay the chicken thighs on the baking pan. Leave a few inches of space between each piece. The bake time for bone-in chicken thighs is about 30 to 40 minutes. Use the convection or air fryer setting if you have it. If you don’t have a convection or air fryer setting the chicken may take an extra few minutes to come to temperature.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in a wok?
You can still get this cooked in a little over half an hour. Simply marinade chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chilli sauce, sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar and a splash of sherry. Mix everything together, put the lid on, and put it in the fridge for about an hour. Next, cook the chicken in a wok until it’s browned, saucy, and bubbly.
How do you cook chicken thighs in a crock pot?
Place all the baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Rub the spice mix evenly over each thigh. Lay the chicken thighs on the pan. Leave a few inches of space between each piece. Bake for 30-40 minutes, using the convection or air fryer setting if you have it.
How long to cook chicken thighs per side?
How long should you cook chicken per side?
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side. …
- Chicken Tenders. Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side. …
- Chicken Wings. Time: 15 to 20 minutes. …
- Drumsticks. Time: 30 minutes. …
- Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. …
- Boneless Skinless Thighs. …
- Skip the Guesswork. …
- Use Direct and Indirect Heat.
Should I bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?