Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for sandwiches. Chicken thighs often have more flavor than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. They also tend to be cheaper and less prone to drying out when cooked. Chicken thighs just need a little extra attention when preparing them for sandwiches to ensure they will be enjoyable to eat.
Comparing Chicken Thighs and Breasts
Chicken thighs and chicken breasts each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using them for sandwiches:
Chicken Breasts
- Tend to be leaner and lower in fat than thighs
- Can dry out easily during cooking
- Often need additional seasoning or marinades for flavor
- Quick cooking time
- More expensive per pound than thighs
Chicken Thighs
- Higher fat content keeps them moist during cooking
- Naturally juicy and flavorful
- Longer cook time needed than breasts
- Bones and skin may need to be removed
- Less expensive option than breasts
Preparing Chicken Thighs for Sandwiches
When preparing chicken thighs for sandwiches, there are a few easy steps you can take to make sure they are just as delicious and easy to eat as chicken breasts:
Trim Excess Fat and Skin
Chicken thighs have higher fat content due to both skin and excess fat around the edges. Trimming off any large pieces of fat and removing the skin can help reduce the fat content. The skin also can make sandwiches messy to eat if left on.
Bake, Grill or Poach Thighs
Baking, grilling, or poaching chicken thighs will all result in moist, tender meat perfect for sandwiches. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking at 375°F for 30-45 minutes is a good all-purpose method.
Allow Thighs to Cool Slightly Before Slicing
Let chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum moisture. Slice thighs when just cool enough to handle.
Slice Thigh Meat Against the Grain
Slicing chicken thigh meat against the grain helps shorten the muscle fibers so it is more tender. This makes for easier chewing.
Chop or Shred Thigh Meat
For chicken salads or saucy sandwiches, chopping or shredding the thigh meat can make it more sandwich-friendly. Use two forks to shred after cooking and cooling.
Seasoning and Marinating Tips
One of the biggest differences between chicken breasts and thighs is that thighs usually don’t need as much seasoning or marinating. Some simple ways to add extra flavor include:
- Rubbing thighs with a spice blend before cooking
- Marinating thighs for 30 minutes up to overnight in sauce or seasoned oil
- Infusing flavor by baking thighs in sauce
- Brining thighs before cooking for added moisture and flavor
Popular seasoning blends for chicken thighs include:
- Barbecue spice rub
- Jerk seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian herb blend
- Moroccan spices
- Lemon pepper
Great marinade flavors for chicken thighs include:
- Yogurt-based marinades
- Buttermilk marinade
- Wine or vinegar-based marinades
- Teriyaki or soy sauce marinades
- Fruit juice or purees
- Harissa or chili paste marinades
Best Sandwiches to Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thigh meat is well-suited for many classic sandwich fillings. Here are some of the top sandwiches that work great with chicken thighs:
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded barbecue chicken thighs loaded on a bun is a tasty sandwich. Add sliced pickles and melted cheese for extra flavor.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken salad made with diced thighs, mayo, celery, onion, and seasoning is perfect for sandwiches. Serve on croissants or bread.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Breaded, fried chicken thigh cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella make delicious chicken parm sandwiches.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Shredded buffalo chicken thighs wrapped up with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and ranch dressing is a flavorsome wrap.
Jerk Chicken Sandwiches
Jerk-spiced chicken thighs with grilled pineapple and onions along with a spicy mayo complete this Caribbean-inspired sandwich.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Sliced grilled chicken thighs, romaine lettuce, parmesan, and Caesar dressing rolled up in a tortilla is a fresh wrap.
Chicken Caprese Sandwiches
Grilled chicken thighs paired with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze gives an Italian flair.
Cooking Chicken Thighs for Meal Prep
Chicken thighs can also be a great choice for meal prepping sandwich fillings ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Cook thighs in a large batch and let cool completely before slicing or shredding.
- Portion chicken into individual freezer bags or containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen pre-cooked chicken overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- Use refrigerated cooked chicken within a few days then discard.
Some easy meal prep sandwich fillings with chicken thighs include:
- Lemon garlic shredded chicken
- BBQ pulled chicken
- Jalapeño popper chicken salad
- Buffalo chicken dip or shredded buffalo chicken
- Pesto chicken salad
- Chicken banh mi filling
Conclusion
Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts in sandwiches with delicious results. With a little trimming and proper cooking, chicken thighs become tender, juicy and full of flavor. Their lower cost makes using thighs instead of breasts budget-friendly too. A few simple preparation methods like slicing against the grain, chopping, and shredding allows chicken thighs to work in any sandwich from chicken salad sandwiches to buffalo chicken wraps. Precooking chicken thighs ahead of time can be a time saver for quick sandwich assembly as well. The next time you are looking for an easy and tasty sandwich filling, give boneless, skinless chicken thighs a try in place of chicken breasts.