Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and juicier meat than the often-used chicken breast. Renowned for their versatility, chicken thighs can be prepared in myriad ways, each bringing out a unique aspect of their delicious taste and texture. Whether you're a fan of bone-in chicken thighs with their flavorful, juicy meat, or prefer the leaner choice of skinless chicken thighs, there are many recipes to explore. Chicken thighs stand out as the dark meat of the bird, known for retaining moisture better and delivering a bold flavor, making them a favorite for many cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

‍

This guide will delve into the art of cooking chicken thighs, covering everything from the basic techniques to more advanced methods. You'll learn how to achieve the crispiest skin on baked chicken thighs, cook them to the perfect internal temperature for safe and delicious results, and use tools like a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked just right. We'll explore various recipes, from those requiring a simple baking dish and a sprinkle of black pepper to more complex preparations involving chicken broth or an Instant Pot.

‍

 Whether you're looking for a versatile recipe for a weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, cooking chicken thighs offers a world of possibilities. From achieving crispy skin in a frying pan to mastering the perfect cooking time for tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, this guide will provide you with the recipe card you need to make your next chicken thigh dish a mouthwatering success.

‍

We know life can get hectic, but sticking to your healthy lifestyle should be easy. That's why Hungryroot brings custom-selected, healthy groceries that magically turn into delicious recipes delivered right to your door. Our seamless process frees up valuable time and helps you embrace a healthy lifestyle effortlessly. Let us be your trusted partner on your journey to health — because you deserve to feel good, inside and out.

Start your health journey by taking our personalized quiz to get your recipe and grocery recommendations.

Best Tips For Perfect Chicken Thighs

We recommend you take a few steps to prepare the perfect chicken thighs every time. Here’s a few of our best recommendations to get started:

‍

• Choose the Right Cut: Whether you opt for bone-in chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken thighs, each offers unique benefits. Bone-in thighs provide more flavor and moisture, making them perfect for slower cooking methods, while boneless thighs are ideal for quicker, more convenient recipes.
• Proper Seasoning: Mix your seasonings, like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper, in a small bowl before applying to the chicken. This ensures an even distribution of flavors, enhancing the taste of your chicken thigh recipe.
• Preheat Your Cooking Device: Whether using an oven, Instant Pot, air fryer, or sheet pan, always preheat it to the right temperature. For oven-baked chicken thighs, preheating to the correct degrees F ensures crispy skin and evenly cooked, juicy chicken thighs.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps to achieve the crispiest skin, especially when cooking skin-on chicken thighs.
• Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the chicken thighs rest at room temperature in an airtight container or covered in a baking dish. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring that your chicken is juicy and flavorful when served with your favorite sides, like green beans or Brussels sprouts.

‍

How To Cook Chicken Thighs

1. In a Skillet

Cooking chicken thighs in a skillet is a simple yet delicious way to prepare this versatile cut of meat. To start, choose either bone-in or boneless thighs, depending on your preference. If you're using skin-on chicken thighs, they will render their fat in the skillet, leading to a crispy skin. Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season them generously. Combining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper works wonderfully for a robust flavor profile. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook until the skin is golden brown and crisp. This initial searing locks in the juices, ensuring juicy chicken thighs. After the chicken thighs have been seared on one side, flip them over to cook on the other side. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking. 

‍

For bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time will be longer than for boneless skinless chicken thighs. Covering the skillet with a lid can help cook the thighs evenly and retain moisture. If desired, a splash of chicken broth can be added to the skillet to create a more tender and flavorful dish. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, as measured with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This skillet method is an easy recipe that ensures crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside, making these chicken thighs a perfect main dish to pair with your favorite sides like Brussels sprouts or green beans.

2. In The Slow Cooker

Baking chicken thighs in a slow cooker is an excellent method for achieving tender, juicy chicken thighs with minimal effort. Start by selecting your preferred chicken thigh type; bone-in and boneless work well in a slow cooker. Before placing the thighs in the slow cooker, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them generously. If you’re using skin-on chicken thighs and prefer a crispy skin, you can briefly sear them in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. 

‍

To bake the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the cooker. If you're cooking a larger batch, it's okay to stack them, but make sure there's enough room for heat to circulate. Pour a small amount of chicken broth into the slow cooker to provide moisture and further enhance the flavor. The liquid level should be just enough to cover the bottom of the cooker; too much liquid will boil the chicken rather than bake it. 

‍

Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken thighs for about 4-6 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs, as well as whether they're bone-in or boneless. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes in an airtight container or covered in the slow cooker to retain its juiciness. 

‍

Serve these deliciously baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides, like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans, for a satisfying and wholesome meal. This slow cooker method is an easy recipe that guarantees juicy perfection with each bite, making it a versatile recipe to add to your chicken repertoire.

3. In The Air Fryer

Baking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve juicy chicken thighs with deliciously crispy skin. The preparation and cooking time is the key to perfect air-fried chicken thighs, whether bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, ensuring that any excess moisture is removed – this is crucial for achieving that much-desired crispy skin. Next, season the thighs. For a more personalized touch, you can create your own chicken rub in a small bowl, combining your favorite herbs and spices. If using bone-in chicken thighs, remember they might require a slightly longer cooking time than boneless skinless chicken thighs.

‍

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375 degrees F, before adding the chicken. This ensures a quick start to the cooking process, helping to lock in the juices and set the skin to crisp up nicely. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even air circulation. The cooking time will vary based on the type of thigh you're using and your air fryer model, but generally, it should take about 25-30 minutes for bone-in thighs and 20-25 minutes for boneless thighs. Halfway through the cooking process, you may want to flip the thighs to ensure even cooking and crisping. Once the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, they are done. Let them rest for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. 

‍

This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as it is flavorful. This method is an easy recipe and a healthier alternative to traditional frying, delivering juicy perfection with the crispiest skin.

‍

4. In The Oven

Baking chicken thighs in the oven is a straightforward and delicious way to prepare this versatile cut of meat. Whether you choose bone-in chicken thighs for their flavor and moisture or boneless chicken thighs for their quicker cooking time, the oven method brings out the best in both. Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature, typically around 400 degrees F, which is ideal for achieving crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this helps in crisping up the skin. Season your chicken thighs generously with your seasoning mix in a small bowl for a customized flavor. For an even more flavorful dish, marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of seasonings and chicken broth can infuse deeper flavors.

‍

When you're ready to bake, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, ensuring they're not overcrowded to allow even cooking and crisping. Skin-on chicken thighs are particularly good for baking as the skin turns deliciously crispy in the oven. Bone-in thighs may require a bit longer in the oven compared to boneless skinless chicken thigh options. The general cooking time for chicken thighs in the oven is about 35-45 minutes, depending on their size and whether they have bones. 

‍

Halfway through the baking process, you can baste the thighs with their juices or a bit of chicken broth to keep them moist. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. After removing them from the oven, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes in an airtight container or covered with foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

‍

Our Favorite Chicken Thighs Recipes

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs + Jasmine Rice: Get ready to experience citrus-infused, tender chicken thighs paired with aromatic jasmine rice in this light, comforting dish. The key ingredients – boneless skinless chicken thighs and fresh cilantro – are complemented by the zesty taste of fresh lime. Chicken thighs are chopped into half-inch pieces and sautéed until fully cooked. Adding lime juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the meat's richness. The recipe pairs the chicken with seasoned organic Jasmine rice, which is a subtle and slightly fragrant base, absorbing the bold flavors of the cilantro and lime. This recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a quick yet delicious meal that doesn’t compromise taste or nutritional value.

Roasted Chicken Thigh + Pad Thai Veggies: This recipe combines tender chicken with vibrant stir-fry vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious meal. The boneless, skinless chicken thighs are roasted in the oven at 400°, which ensures they are cooked thoroughly, achieving a moist and tender texture. The pad Thai veggies are sauteed in a skillet and then combined with a sauce pack that infuses the dish with traditional Pad Thai flavors to complement the chicken. With a total calorie count of 430 per serving, this dish balances hearty flavors and health-conscious ingredients to create a balanced meal.

Sesame Chicken Thighs with Broccoli + Brown Rice: This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of chicken with hearty brown rice and refreshing broccoli. The boneless skinless chicken thighs are first seared and drizzled with a sesame ginger sauce during cooking. Accompanying the chicken in this meal is a healthy serving of broccoli florets, sautéed until lightly browned and then steamed until tender. The dish is rounded off with a brown rice and quinoa blend, providing a wholesome base that complements the other ingredients. With a total calorie count of 750 per serving, this recipe is a great option for those seeking a filling and nutritious meal.

Mustard Chicken Thighs + Roasted Potatoes: This chicken thighs dish offers a blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal. The chicken thighs are first seared to develop a delicious crust, and then drizzled with a honey mustard sauce to create a tasty glaze. Roasted fingerling potatoes are sliced, seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and then paired with the chicken. Adding fresh zucchini, sliced and sautéed until tender, adds a light element to the meal. With a calorie count of 610 per serving, this recipe perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition. 

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs + Sautéed Veggies: This recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs perfectly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The dish features boneless skinless chicken thighs chopped into half-inch pieces and sautéed in oil, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The highlight of this dish is the addition of lemon garlic hummus, which is used as a topping. The chicken is accompanied by fresh zucchini and red onion, sliced and sautéed until tender. The dish is served over a bed of organic seasoned Jasmine rice, which offers a slightly nutty base. With a total calorie count of 680 per serving, this Mediterranean recipe is satisfying and health-conscious.

‍

The versatility of chicken thighs in the kitchen is unmatched, and with a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform this humble ingredient into a range of delicious meals. Whether you prefer bone-in chicken thighs for their juiciness or opt for the convenience of boneless skinless chicken thighs, there's a preparation method to suit every taste. By mastering a few basic techniques, such as properly seasoning your chicken or ensuring the skin gets crispy and golden in the oven or skillet, you can elevate the humble chicken thigh into a perfect dish. These techniques apply whether baking chicken thighs in a dish, searing them in a skillet, or cooking them in an Instant Pot or air fryer. Remember, the key to great chicken thighs is not just in the cooking time but also in allowing them to rest at room temperature, in an airtight container, to retain their moisture and flavor.

‍

Experimenting with different seasoning mixes and cooking methods can lead to discovering your perfect chicken thigh recipe. You can pair them with various favorite sides making them a fantastic option for a complete meal. The beauty of chicken thighs lies in their ability to absorb flavors, making them an excellent canvas for a range of seasoning blends. Whether preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a special meal, chicken thighs are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor. So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, reach for that pack of chicken thighs and let your culinary creativity take the lead. 

‍

Do you find yourself constantly on the go but still want to indulge in healthy foods? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted various delicious recipes and groceries delivered straight to your doorstep.

Whether juggling work, family, or other commitments, Hungryroot helps you enjoy mouthwatering foods without compromising your health goals. Get started today by taking our personalized quiz and start your health journey right from day one!

Recommended Reading

• Mouthwatering Mexican Chicken Recipes To Spice Up Your Dinner Table
• 10+ Must Try Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
• 15+ High-Protein Meals And Recipes To Power Your Day

‍