Recipes with Boneless Chicken Thighs

Time and temperature to cook boneless chicken thighs

Boneless thighs typically cook quicker compared to bone-in thighs. Regardless of the cooking method, it's advisable to cook them over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. For accurate results, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

• Oven-baked: Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes.
• Air fryer: Air fry at 375 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
• Stovetop: Cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, over medium to low heat.
• Grilling: Grill boneless chicken thighs for about 4 to 5 minutes per side over medium heat.

What are some seasoning ideas for chicken thighs?

You can either rub seasonings directly onto the meat, marinate them for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to penetrate. Here are some popular ways to season chicken thighs:

• Lemon Pepper: Use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning or make your own at home by mixing finely grated lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and a touch of dried thyme or parsley.
• Cajun: Use the seasoning mixture from blackened chicken or create a spicy Cajun rub using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper together.
• Italian: Use Italian seasoning, garlic powder or freshly minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and olive oil.
• Barbecue: Rub the boneless thighs with a dry barbecue seasoning mix for a sweet and smoky flavor and then finish with some barbecue sauce.
• Asian-inspired: Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, honey or sugar, and a touch of sriracha or chili flakes for a sweet and spicy marinade.
• Indian-inspired: Use a mix of turmeric, cayenne, coriander and garam masala powder along with with lemon juice, salt and some vegetable oil to marinade and then cook.
• Honey mustard: Mix Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a tangy and slightly sweet coating.
• Honey garlic: Marinade with honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

Can I cook chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook chicken thighs from frozen, but it's generally recommended to thaw them first for better results in all chicken recipes. Thawing allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken thighs. It also gives you better control over cooking them to ensure they turn out tender and delicious.

If cooking from frozen, extend the cooking time by approximately 50% compared to cooking thawed chicken thighs to ensure thorough cooking. Opt for cooking methods that can handle frozen meat, such as air frying, oven baking, or pressure cooking. Avoid methods like grilling or pan-frying, as they may lead to uneven cooking.