I. Introduction
Let’s face it: cooking chicken thighs can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned home cooks. This cut of meat is notoriously tough to get right – you don’t want it to be dry as a bone, yet you still need to make sure it’s fully cooked to avoid any nasty health risks. Plus, chicken thighs have that pesky bone in the middle! Fear not, as this article will guide you through the process to ensure your chicken thighs come out juicy, flavorful, and perfect every time.
II. 7 Savory Ways to Cook Perfect Chicken Thighs Every Time
If you’re looking for new cooking techniques to try out with chicken thighs, look no further than this list of savory options. There’s an approach to suit every taste and occasion, whether you want to fire up the grill or slow cook in the oven. Here are seven of the best:
A. Oven-baked Chicken Thighs
An easy way to cook chicken thighs is to roast them in the oven. Layer chicken thighs on a baking sheet and brush them with a little bit of oil or melted butter. Season as desired with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer, and then roast them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through and golden brown.
B. Pan-seared Chicken Thighs
Another simple method is to sear chicken thighs in a hot pan on the stovetop. First, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil or butter. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any herbs that you like. Then, place the chicken in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked.
C. Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilling is a popular method for cooking chicken thighs, and for good reason! Season the chicken with your favorite rub or marinade, then grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until the meat is fully cooked and has those beautiful grill marks.
D. Slow-cooked Chicken Thighs
For fall-apart tender chicken, try slow-cooking chicken thighs in the crockpot. Coat the chicken in your choice of sauce, broth, or seasoning, and then cook it on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
E. Stewed Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a comforting and cozy dish, try stewed chicken thighs. Simmer the chicken in a flavorful sauce made with herbs, spices, and vegetables until the meat is cooked through and tender.
F. Broiled Chicken Thighs
For crispy skin and juicy meat, try broiling chicken thighs in the oven. Brush chicken with a mixture of honey, mustard, and a bit of oil or butter. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet, skin side up. Broil for 8-12 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
G. Braised Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a richer and more indulgent chicken dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, consider braising chicken thighs. Cook the chicken thighs in a pot with stock, wine, or another liquid until the meat is tender and juicy.
III. One-Pan Wonders: Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes for Busy Weeknights
When you’re pressed for time but still want a delicious meal, one-pan chicken thigh recipes are the solution. These recipes are simple, quick, and easy to clean up. Here are seven of our favorite recipes:
A. Chicken and Rice Skillet
This classic recipe requires only a few ingredients and packs in tons of flavor. Sauté chicken thighs in a skillet, then add rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and your preferred seasonings. Let the entire mixture simmer until the rice is cooked through, and serve hot.
B. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
This easy dish requires minimal prep and results in a flavorful and filling meal. Layer chicken thighs and sliced potatoes in a baking dish, then drizzle with olive oil and herbs. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender, then add garlic butter and lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
C. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Veggies
You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors in this recipe. Sear chicken thighs in a hot skillet, then add a variety of veggies, like carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Coat everything with a mixture of honey, mustard, and olive oil, then bake in the oven until fully cooked and caramelized.
D. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
This recipe is sweet, savory, and very easy to make. Mix together teriyaki sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Sear chicken thighs in a pan, then add the teriyaki sauce and broccoli. Let everything simmer until fully cooked and coated in the sticky sauce.
E. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry
This quick and effortless stir-fry comes packed full of protein and is endlessly customizable. Sauté chicken thighs with garlic and ginger, then add a mixture of broccoli, bell peppers, and any additional veggies. Add hoisin sauce and soy sauce to turn up the flavor, then serve over rice or noodles.
F. Chicken and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Season chicken thighs with your favorite spices and arrange them on a sheet pan with sweet potatoes, onions, and a bit of maple syrup. Roast everything in the oven until golden brown and fully cooked.
G. Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs
This recipe has a light and summery feel thanks to the combination of herbs and fresh tomatoes. Coat chicken thighs in a mixture of oil, garlic, salt, and basil. Add chopped tomatoes and bake everything in the oven for a flavorful and fragrant dish.
IV. From Grilling to Roasting: A Guide to Cooking Juicy Chicken Thighs
Now that you’ve learned some popular chicken thigh recipes, let’s delve deeper into the methods that will help you create juicy and flawless chicken every time.
A. How to grill chicken thighs
If you want to grill chicken thighs, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Brush each thigh with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and any rubs or herbs that you love. Place the thighs on the grill, with skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
B. How to roast chicken thighs
If you’re roasting chicken thighs, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the thighs out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then brush them with a bit of oil or melted butter. Season each thigh with salt, pepper, and any other spices. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes depending on how crispy you want the skin, flipping once.
C. How to barbecue chicken thighs
Barbecuing chicken thighs is a great way to take their smoky flavor to the next level. Preheat a barbecue to medium-high heat. Season each chicken thigh with a rub or marinade as desired, and place on the grill with skin side down. Allow cooking for 5-6 minutes flipping once, and then use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
D. How to smoke chicken thighs
Smoked chicken thighs have a smoky flavor that melts in your mouth. If you’re up for the mouth-watering flavor, preheat a smoker to around 275-300°F (140-150°C). While the smoker is heating up, prepare the chicken. Season the thighs with your desired rub and put them on the smoker skin side up. Smoke the chicken well for about 2.5-3 hours, then check if the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). In the end, you’ll get juicy and tender chicken with a terrific smoke taste.
E. Tips for juicy chicken thighs
For juicy chicken thighs, ensure that the temperature of the oven, pan or grill is right before putting the meat inside. Avoid overcooking or undercooking chicken thighs as this can dry it out or leave it raw. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and look for read-out at 165°F (75°C) to confirm that it’s fully cooked. Basting chicken thighs in their juices is also a good way to help keep them moist while cooking.
F. Chicken thigh marinades
Marinades are a great way to add flavor and tenderness to chicken thighs. Some of our favorite marinades include soy sauce and honey, yogurt and paprika, lemon and parsley, or garlic and olive oil. To use, place chicken thighs in a resealable bag with the marinade and allow them to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours for more effect.
V. The Ultimate Chicken Thigh Recipe Roundup: 7 Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect chicken thigh recipes, you’re in luck. These seven recipes are sure to impress everyone who tries them:
A. Buffalo Chicken Thighs
For a spicy and indulgent twist on chicken, try out this buffalo chicken thighs recipe. Season chicken thighs with a mixture of spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and hot paprika. Bake in the oven and top with blue cheese dressing for a full-flavored dish.
B. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
For a cozy and comforting chicken dinner, try out this easy mushroom cream sauce. Sauté chicken thighs in a big skillet then remove them from the pan.