Chicken thigh is one of the most popular cuts of chicken because of its juicy and flavorful meat. One of the common ways to cook chicken thigh is by frying it. Frying gives the chicken a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender. But the question that most people ask is, how long does it take to fry a chicken thigh?
The answer to this question depends on how you are cooking the chicken, whether you are using a deep fryer, a skillet, or an oven. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of frying chicken thighs and how long each method takes.
Deep Frying Chicken Thighs
Deep frying chicken thighs is one of the fastest ways to cook them. This method involves immersing the chicken in hot oil. To do this, you will need a deep fryer and enough oil to completely submerge the chicken.
The first step in deep-frying chicken thighs is to preheat the deep fryer to 375°F. While the oil is heating, you can prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you would like to use. You can also bread the chicken by coating it in flour, egg, and bread crumbs.
Once the oil is heated, carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Pan-Frying Chicken Thighs
Pan-frying is another popular method for cooking chicken thighs. This method involves cooking the chicken in a small amount of oil in a skillet. This method takes longer than deep frying, but it allows you to control the cooking process more closely.
To pan-fry chicken thighs, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you would like to use. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Oven-Frying Chicken Thighs
Oven-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying or pan-frying chicken thighs. This method involves baking the chicken in the oven with a coating of seasoned breadcrumbs to give it a crispy, golden brown exterior.
To oven-fry chicken thighs, preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you would like to use. Then, coat the chicken in a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and a small amount of oil. Make sure that the chicken is completely coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to turn the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure that it browns evenly on both sides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of time it takes to fry a chicken thigh depends on the method you are using. Deep-frying is the fastest method, taking only 12-15 minutes, while pan-frying takes a bit longer at 8-10 minutes per side. Oven-frying takes the longest at 25-30 minutes. Whichever method you choose, be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly fried chicken thighs every time!
FAQ
Can you cook chicken thighs in frying pan?
Yes, you absolutely can cook chicken thighs in a frying pan! In fact, sauteing chicken thighs on a frying pan is a quick and easy way to cook them. The process is quite simple and turns the chicken thighs beautiful golden brown in color.
First of all, you need to choose the right pan for the job. Make sure you choose a pan that is large enough to fit all of the chicken thighs you want to cook. Additionally, a non-stick pan is highly recommended so that you don’t have to worry about the chicken sticking to the pan.
To begin, season each chicken thigh with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer. Heat up some oil in the frying pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place each chicken thigh into the pan, skin side down.
Allow the chicken thighs to cook for approximately 6 minutes on each side. If you are using boneless skinless chicken thighs, they will cook through completely in this amount of time. If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, you may want to cook them for a few extra minutes on each side.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess oil from the chicken.
Sauteing chicken thighs on a frying pan is a quick and simple cooking method that allows you to enjoy delicious chicken in no time. It’s a great option for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of using an oven or grilling chicken, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Is 8 minutes enough to fry chicken?
When it comes to frying chicken, the cooking time can vary depending on a few factors. The thickness of the chicken, whether it’s boneless or bone-in, and the temperature at which it’s being cooked can all affect how long it takes to fully cook the chicken.
If you’re pan-frying chicken, typically boneless breasts will require 8-11 minutes per side in the pan, while bone-in breasts will need 11-15 minutes per side to cook fully. As for thighs, boneless thighs should be cooked for 5-7 minutes per side, whereas bone-in thighs require 8-11 minutes per side.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these times are just a guideline and may need to be adjusted based on the specific circumstances. For example, if the chicken is particularly thick, it may take longer to cook through. Similarly, if the heat is too high and the chicken is cooking too quickly on the outside, it could be undercooked on the inside.
It’S best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked. This can take longer or shorter than the recommended times, depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and make sure the chicken is fully cooked rather than risking undercooked chicken which can be unsafe to eat.
How can I tell if my fried chicken is done?
Fried chicken is a delicious meal enjoyed by many, but it can be difficult to tell when it is properly cooked. Undercooked chicken can be a health hazard, while overcooked chicken can be tough and dry. Fortunately, there are several ways to tell if your fried chicken is done.
One of the most reliable ways to check if fried chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. You should ensure that the thermometer is not the one you are using for the oil as it may give a false reading. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring that it does not touch the bone. The temperature should be taken to read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe temperature recommended by the USDA to ensure that chicken is safe to eat.
Another technique you can use to tell if your chicken is done frying is to break the crust. Cut into the thickest part of the chicken, and if there is no pink color, the chicken is cooked. However, while this technique is helpful, it should be utilized after first checking the temperature of the meat.
Timing is also important in determining when your chicken is done. Generally speaking, bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than boneless. Small pieces of chicken will take around 12-15 minutes, while larger pieces can take up to 18-20 minutes. The temperature of the oil is also important when timing the cooking. If the oil temperature is too low, the chicken may not cook thoroughly and stay in the fryer for an excessive amount of time, resulting in dry, overcooked chicken.
Properly cooking fried chicken is important for both safety and taste. To ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer, break the crust to check for pink meat, and time the cooking process to ensure that the chicken is cooked completely. With these techniques and a little practice, you’ll be able to turn out finger-licking fried chicken every time.
