How To Cook Chicken Thighs Perfectly Every Time

Cooking chicken thighs may seem intimidating but with a few tips and tricks you can have perfect, flavorful, juicy thighs every time. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just yourself, these simple steps will help you get the job done right.

Step 1: Get the Right Thighs

When it comes to cooking chicken thighs, the quality of the thigh matters. Look for thighs that are not too large or too small, but just right. You can also go for organic and free-range chicken thighs, which have a better flavor and are usually more tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Thighs

Once you have the ideal thighs, you need to prepare them for cooking. First, remove any excess fat, skin, and bones that you don’t need. Then, use a sharp knife to score the skin of the thigh several times. This will help the fat and juices to escape during cooking, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

Step 3: Season the Thighs

Now it’s time to add some flavor to your chicken thighs. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, and more. Experiment to find your favorite combination. You can also use a pre-made rub or marinade, or make your own.

Step 4: Cook the Thighs

Once your thighs are prepared and seasoned, it’s time to start cooking. You can cook the thighs on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. The cooking time will vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the thighs, but a good rule of thumb is to cook them for about 20 minutes per side.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Once the chicken is cooked, you need to check for doneness. The easiest way to do this is with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, and it should read 165°F. If it doesn’t, continue cooking until it does, checking every few minutes.

Step 6: Let the Thighs Rest

Before serving, let the cooked chicken thighs rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to develop. If you skip this step, the chicken may be dry and flavorless.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your perfect, juicy, flavorful chicken thighs. Serve them with your favorite sides, or use them in sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more.

The Bottom Line

Cooking chicken thighs is easy and rewarding. All you need are the right ingredients, the right technique, and a bit of patience. So don’t be afraid to give it a try. You’ll be singing “If I can’t make chicken thighs, nobody can!” in no time.

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