Whether you have opted for meal kits that include chicken thighs or are starting from scratch and looking for inspiration, meaty chicken thighs offer you plenty of cooking options. Many chicken recipes use breast meat, but the somewhat darker thigh meat can usually be a good substitute, often with even more flavoursome results. Read on to find out how to cook chicken thighs the right way, ensuring they're always succulent and delicious.
How to cook chicken thighs
You can cook filleted chicken thighs (with the bones removed) or bone-in chicken thighs with much the same method. Just bear in mind that — as with all bone-in meat — unfilleted chicken thighs take longer to cook than filleted ones. Always check to make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving, with no pink meat in the middle and clear-running juices.
How to grill chicken thighs
Depending on their size, you can grill chicken thighs in about 12 minutes, allowing for six minutes per side. Simply place them under the grill and keep them under the heat until halfway through cooking. Remove them, turn them over, then put them back in place. If the chicken thighs are underdone, put them back under the grill for a further two minutes on either side and check them again.
How to roast chicken thighs
Roasting chicken thighs is, perhaps, the simplest way of preparing them. To do so:
- Turn the oven up to 200°C and allow it to come up to temp.
- Place the raw chicken thighs onto a roasting tin, ensuring you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Add salt and pepper, as well as any herbs and spices you like, by sprinkling them over the top.
- Drizzle a little cooking oil over each chicken thigh, which will help to prevent it from drying out.
- Next, place the roasting tin in the middle of the oven.
- Allow the thighs to cook for 40 minutes before removing them.
- Insert a knife into the middle of a thigh to check it has cooked: the juice should run clear with no pinkish hue.
- Before serving, allow the chicken thighs to rest for at least five minutes.
How to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer
To cook chicken thighs in an air fryer, you use much the same preparation technique as with roasting. Instead of putting them on a roasting tin, place them on the air fryer tray skin-side down. Cook them for 10 minutes before flipping them over and air-frying for at least another 12 minutes. Ensure they're fully cooked before serving.
Chicken thighs vs chicken breasts
Chicken breasts are delicious, but they have a more subtle flavour than chicken thighs, which consist of a darker, slightly gamier meat. If you are cooking a dish with strong flavours, such as chicken curry, you can easily substitute thighs for breast meat, resulting in a more pronounced chicken flavour.
Unless it is on the carcass, breast meat is always filleted. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, can be obtained either boneless or bone-in, which may make a difference, depending on which recipe you are preparing. Check out more tasty recipes at our chicken recipe hub for inspiration.
Chicken thigh cooking tips
Here are some great chicken thigh tips to help you get top-quality results:
- When roasting, set the oven to a high temperature to cook them through, which is especially important for bone-in fillets.
- You can fillet chicken thighs yourself, but this can be tricky. If you only want the meat, cook the bone-in thighs and allow them to cool before removing the bones and serving the chicken cold in a salad, for example.
- If you like crispy chicken skin but are worried about cooking your thighs fully by frying them, then roast them first. You can crispen up the skin immediately afterwards in a frying pan.
- Allow your chicken thighs to come up to room temperature before marinating or seasoning. However, make sure to cook the chicken soon after it's no longer chilled.
Best Chicken Thighs Recipes NZ
Chicken thighs are a versatile ingredient, featuring prominently in dishes where their rich, tender flavour pairs beautifully with pasta or rice-based meals. They bring heartiness and depth to many meals and are a staple in countless cuisines.
For an exciting twist, try honey soy-glazed chicken thighs, which offer a delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours. For a lighter option, sweet chilli chicken thighs bring a tangy kick to your plate.
If you’re planning a cosy dinner, consider slow-cooked Tuscan-style chicken thighs, a dish infused with rich Mediterranean flavours. For smaller servings, explore our meals for one, perfect for quick and satisfying options.
These recipes highlight the adaptability of chicken thighs, making them a favourite for meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare.
Chicken Thigh Recipes FAQ
How long should you cook chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs will grill in about 10–12 minutes. Just remember to turn them over halfway through and stick a knife in to ensure the juices run clear. Roasting them in the oven takes around 40 minutes.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Cook chicken thighs in an air fryer for 10 minutes and then remove the tray to turn the thighs skin-side up. Proceed to cook them for a further 12–15 minutes until they're cooked through fully.
Is it better to cook chicken thighs in the oven or on the stove?
Neither method is better, but chicken thighs with their skin still on tend to be crispier when fried on the stove. Bone-in chicken thighs will cook more evenly in the oven, but you can finish them off skin-down in a frying pan to get the crispy effect.
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400°F?
Generally speaking, higher temperature settings are best when roasting any chicken to help ensure they're cooked through properly. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) when roasting chicken thighs, and allow it to heat up before putting the meat in.
Is it better to boil or bake chicken thighs?
Baked or roasted chicken thighs tend to taste better and retain more of their juices. However, boiled chicken thighs have less fat since the fat seeps away into the water. This is why some people consider boiling to be the healthier option.