Our succulent Fresh Chicken Thigh Cutlets come from the best and freshest healthy barn-raised chickens, with no added hormones or steroids. Chicken Thigh is the perfect cut for a variety of recipes, and has more flavour and fat than other parts of the chicken. View our Recipes section for ideas.
Chicken thigh cutlets are a kitchen staple in my household. Their rich, flavorful meat makes them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasion meals. However, properly baking chicken thigh cutlets can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with raw, rubbery meat. Bake them too long and they’ll dry out.
After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found the best way to always bake chicken thigh cutlets that are juicy and tender. For this complete guide, I’ll teach you everything I know about this simple and tasty cooking method.
What Are Chicken Thigh Cutlets?
Let’s talk about what chicken thigh cutlets are before we get into baking times. Chicken thighs are the dark meat portion of the chicken. They are naturally more juicy and flavorful because they have more fat and connective tissue than chicken breasts.
Chicken thigh cutlets are boneless, skinless thigh meat that has been sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets. This makes them quicker and easier to cook than bone-in chicken thighs. The thinness allows them to cook through in a short amount of time while remaining ultra-tender.
Why Bake Chicken Thigh Cutlets?
Baking is my preferred cooking method for chicken thigh cutlets for several reasons:
-
It’s simple and hands-off Just pop them in the oven and you’re free to focus on side dishes
-
The dry heat of the oven yields a juicy interior and crispy, golden exterior.
-
It’s healthier than frying with less added fat.
-
The cutlets develop tons of flavor when baked versus grilling or pan frying.
-
You can easily bake a large batch for meal prepping.
Factors That Affect Chicken Thigh Cutlet Bake Times
Achieving perfectly cooked baked chicken thigh cutlets requires an understanding of what factors impact the baking time. Here are the key considerations:
Thickness
It will take longer to cook through thicker cutlets than thin ones. For quick and even baking, cutlets should be about 1/2 inch thick.
Oven Temperature
Higher heat cooks the cutlets faster but can lead to dryness if too hot. I find 400°F to be the ideal temperature.
Number of Cutlets
More cutlets in the oven retain heat and may require slightly longer baking. Don’t overcrowd.
Frozen vs. Thawed
Frozen cutlets can be baked but will need significantly more time than thawed I recommend thawing first.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baked Chicken Thigh Cutlets
Follow these simple steps for foolproof baked chicken thigh cutlets:
1. Prepare the Cutlets
Rinse cutlets and pat dry with paper towels. Add a lot of salt, pepper, and any other spices you want to both sides. I love using paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. You can also marinate them beforehand for extra flavor.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
3. Arrange Cutlets on the Baking Sheet
Place the cutlets on the baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding will steam instead of brown them.
4. Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. I like to bake for 20 minutes total – 10 minutes per side.
5. Check Internal Temperature
Temperature is the best doneness indicator. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of each cutlet. They should reach 165°F.
6. Allow to Rest
Let the baked cutlets rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for increased moisture and tenderness.
And that’s it! Follow these six simple steps for baked chicken thigh cutlets that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving baked chicken thigh cutlets. Here are just a few of my favorite ideas:
-
In sandwiches or wraps with cheese, lettuce, and tomato
-
Diced up in pasta salads, grain bowls, or casseroles
-
Alongside roasted veggies and mashed potatoes
-
In tacos with salsa, guacamole, and lime juice
-
On top of leafy green salads
-
Served with homemade dipping sauces like bbq, ranch, or honey mustard
However you choose to use them, baked chicken thigh cutlets are endlessly versatile!
Common Baking Questions
If you’re new to baking chicken thigh cutlets, chances are you have some questions. Here I’ll tackle some of the FAQs:
Can I bake them from frozen?
It’s best to thaw frozen cutlets overnight in the fridge before baking. Trying to bake them frozen will lead to uneven cooking.
Do I need to flip them?
Flipping halfway through is recommended for even browning and moisture distribution.
What if they aren’t done at 22 minutes?
Check temperature and continue baking if needed, but don’t go much past 25 minutes total or they may overcook.
Can I bread them before baking?
Yes, just adjust bake time and temp based on thickness of breading. I like 20-25 minutes at 375°F for breaded.
What about bone-in, skin-on thighs?
Those will take 35-40 minutes at 375°F since the bone and skin act as insulation, slowing cooking.
Let’s Get Baking Juicy Chicken Thigh Cutlets!
Now you’re ready to start baking flavorful, foolproof chicken thigh cutlets! Follow my tips for temperature, time, seasoning, and doneness for guaranteed success. Soon these tender, juicy cutlets will become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy!
PLEASE SELECT A LENARD’S STORE TO SHOP ONLINE* *Once you select a store, the store’s products & pricing will display. Product availability & pricing varies between stores.
- More fat and flavour than other parts of the chicken.
- Ideal for a variety of recipes.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken thigh cutlets in the oven?
Oven – Cooking Temp: 180 ℃ – Cooking Time: 20 mins – Serves: 1Chicken Thigh can be cooked many ways. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place chicken in an ovenproof pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked though.
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
The Best Temperature For Cooking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. Whether they’re on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade, the best temperature for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven is between 400°F and 450°F, with 425°F being the temperature we rely on most often. Aug 28, 2024.
How long should chicken cutlets be in the oven?
Breast Cutlets or Whole Breasts … Boneless skinless breasts may be seasoned and cooked in 20 to 25 minutes depending on the thickness. While chicken breast cutlets will cook in as little as 10-12 minutes.
How long to have chicken thighs in the oven at 400 degrees?
To get a crispy skin, I like to bake the thighs at 400 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. This is more like roasting, though.