Chicken Thighs Recipes

Introduction

Chicken thighs are like the canvas of the culinary world—ready to be transformed into a masterpiece with the right techniques and flavors. Their rich, dark meat is more forgiving than chicken breast, staying moist and tender through cooking. This guide will explore the myriad ways to prepare chicken thighs, ensuring there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Summertime grilling is made easy and delicious with this recipe for juicy grilled chicken thighs. The chicken is marinated in a simple yet flavorful mixture, ensuring it comes out extra juicy and tasty. This recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ, with most ingredients likely already in your pantry. Just mix, marinate, and grill!

Ingredients for the Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, slightly crushed
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl or a freezer bag. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though you can leave them for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The goal is to achieve a caramelized, golden brown color all around.
5. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step helps in retaining the juices, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these juicy grilled chicken thighs with a side of grilled veggies, corn, potato salad, or even garlic bread cooked on the grill for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in a zippered bag or an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. For reheating, simply use the microwave or an air fryer with a bit of BBQ sauce to bring back the moisture and flavor.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

I discovered a delightful and straightforward Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe that promises perfectly moist and juicy results, whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken, bone-in or boneless. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless skinless, see note for frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water, use 1.5 cups for 8 quart pot, use broth if you plan to make gravy)

To Make Gravy (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Mix the oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture over all sides of the chicken thighs, getting some under the skin if they’re skin-on.
2. Brown the Chicken: Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot and use the “Sauté” function to heat it. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down, and cook for about 4 minutes per side until browned. Then, remove the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Deglaze: Turn off the Instant Pot and add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a spatula.
4. Pressure Cook: Place the metal trivet in the pot and arrange the chicken thighs on top, skin side up. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure. Bone-in thighs need 10 minutes, while boneless, skinless thighs require 8 minutes. After cooking, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Check Temperature: Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F. If not, you can use the sauté function to finish cooking in the broth.

To Make Gravy:

• Remove the chicken and trivet, and if desired, strain the cooking liquid. Turn on the sauté function, add butter, and then the cornstarch slurry (mixed with water). Simmer until the gravy thickens, then serve with the chicken.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Thighs:

• For frozen thighs, skip browning, add broth and trivet, and place thighs on the trivet. Season with half the spice mix. Cook bone-in thighs for 15 minutes and boneless for 13 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 5-minute natural release.

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy chicken thighs, offering a quick, delicious, and versatile dinner option. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or looking for more recipes to try, this one is sure to become a favorite.

Boiling Chicken Thighs

Boiling chicken thighs is a simple and effective method to prepare them for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and tacos. Here’s a basic guide on how to boil chicken thighs:

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, according to preference)
• Water (enough to cover the chicken thighs by at least an inch)
• Salt (1 teaspoon per quart of water for seasoning)
• Optional: bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic cloves, onion, carrots, and celery for added flavor

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

If you’re using frozen chicken thighs, thaw them completely before boiling. You can do this by transferring them from the freezer to the refrigerator a day before cooking or using a microwave’s defrost setting.

Season the Water:

Fill a pot with enough water to cover the chicken thighs by at least an inch. Add salt to the water (about 1 teaspoon per quart of water) and any optional aromatics you like. This will help flavor the chicken as it cooks.

Add the Chicken Thighs:

Place the chicken thighs in the pot. If you’re using bone-in and skin-on thighs, there’s no need to remove the skin or bones; they’ll add flavor to the water, which can be used as a broth later.

Bring to a Boil:

Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You may see foam or impurities rise to the surface; you can skim these off with a spoon if you like.

Simmer:

Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken simmer. Boneless thighs will typically take about 20 minutes, while bone-in thighs may need 30 to 40 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink at the bone.

Check for Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Rest and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

Use or Store:

You can serve the boiled chicken thighs as is, or shred the meat for use in other recipes. The cooking liquid can be strained and used as a light chicken broth in soups, stews, or for cooking grains like rice or quinoa.

Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal without the need for defrosting. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Your choice of seasoning (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the air fryer is preheating, lightly coat the frozen chicken thighs with olive oil or cooking spray. Then, season them with your chosen spices and herbs. If the chicken thighs are in a block, try to separate them if possible; if not, you can separate them halfway through cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for better airflow and even cooking. Cook for about 25-30 minutes for boneless thighs and 30-35 minutes for bone-in thighs. If your chicken thighs were frozen together, pause halfway through the cooking time to separate them and flip each thigh over.
4. Check for Doneness: Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. If they’re not done, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the proper temperature is reached.
5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

Tips:

• Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings based on your preference. Chicken is versatile and goes well with a variety of flavors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: For the crispiest results, make sure the chicken thighs are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flipping: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures that all sides get crispy and cooked evenly.

Banana Pudding to complete your meal

Imagine the perfect culinary pairing where comfort meets indulgence: succulent chicken thighs paired with creamy banana pudding. After savoring the rich, savory flavors of perfectly cooked chicken thighs, with their crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, the transition to the sweet, velvety smoothness of banana pudding is nothing short of heavenly. Each spoonful of the pudding, with its layers of ripe bananas, soft vanilla wafers, and luscious custard, complements the savory chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

FAQs

How long to boil chicken thighs?

Boiling chicken thighs until they’re fully cooked typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes for bone-in thighs and 20 to 30 minutes for boneless thighs. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How long to bake chicken thighs at 350?

Baking chicken thighs at 350°F (177°C) usually requires about 45 to 50 minutes for bone-in skin-on thighs and 40 to 45 minutes for boneless skinless thighs. Always check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

How long to smoke chicken thighs?

Smoking chicken thighs at a temperature of 225°F (107°C) to 250°F (121°C) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The key is to maintain a consistent smoker temperature and cook until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 165°F (74°C).

How many chicken thighs in a pound?

The number of chicken thighs in a pound can vary depending on their size. On average, one pound can contain 2 to 3 bone-in chicken thighs or 4 to 5 boneless chicken thighs.

How long do chicken thighs keep in the fridge?

Raw chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked chicken thighs should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and safety.

Conclusion

Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be cooked in countless ways. Whether grilled, smoked, braised, or cooked in an Instant Pot, there’s a chicken thigh recipe for every occasion and taste preference. So next time you’re pondering what to cook for dinner, remember the humble chicken thigh and the endless possibilities it offers.