Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy cut of chicken that are easy to cook. However, many home cooks have questions about how long to cook chicken thighs to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. The length of cooking time for bone-in and boneless chicken thighs can vary based on a few factors.
Cooking Time for Bone-In Chicken Thighs
For bone-in chicken thighs, the length of cooking time will depend on whether you are baking, broiling, grilling or pan searing them. The thickness of the thighs and whether you pound them to an even thickness will also affect cooking times.
Here are general guidelines for cooking bone-in chicken thighs:
- Baked: Bake bone-in chicken thighs at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Broiled: Broil bone-in thighs 4-5 inches from heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until 165°F.
- Grilled: Grill bone-in thighs over medium heat for 12-15 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
- Pan seared: Cook bone-in thighs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and 165°F.
The USDA recommends cooking chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate risk of foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Cooking Time for Boneless Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in thighs. Since there is no bone, boneless thighs can cook through in as little as 8-12 minutes. Here are estimated cooking times for boneless thighs:
- Grilled: Grill boneless thighs over medium heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through until 165°F.
- Pan seared or sautéed: Cook boneless thighs on the stovetop over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Baked: Bake boneless thighs at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until 165°F.
- Air fried: Air fry boneless thighs at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
The thinner boneless thighs are pounded to an even thickness, the faster they will cook. Monitor temperature and adjust cooking times as needed.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are a few factors that can impact the cooking time needed for chicken thighs beyond just bone-in vs boneless.
- Thickness – Thicker chicken thighs will take longer to cook than thinner thighs. Pound thighs to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
- Bone-in vs boneless – Bones conduct heat slower than bone-in, extending cooking time.
- Cooking method – Grilling, broiling and sautéing will cook chicken faster than roasting or baking.
- Temperature – Cooking at a lower oven temp or grill heat will increase cooking time.
- Marinade – Acidic marinades like yogurt or citrus can slightly increase cooking time.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if chicken thighs are fully cooked. Chicken thighs are safely cooked and ready to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these visual signs of doneness:
- The juices run clear when pierced with a knife, without traces of pink.
- The meat has turned opaque white and is no longer pink.
- The thigh moves freely in the joint.
- A fork inserted into the thickest part of the thigh comes out feeling hot to the touch.
Once cooked, let chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
Recommended Cook Times for Chicken Thighs
For easy reference, here is a table summarizing the recommended cook times for chicken thighs based on the method and bone-in vs boneless.
| Cooking Method | Bone-in Thighs | Boneless Thighs |
|---|---|---|
| Baked | 30-40 minutes at 400°F | 12-15 minutes at 375°F |
| Broiled | 15-20 minutes 4-5″ from heat | N/A |
| Grilled | 12-15 minutes per side (med heat) | 8-12 minutes per side (med heat) |
| Pan seared | 6-8 minutes per side (med-high heat) | 3-5 minutes per side (med-high heat) |
| Air fried | N/A | 10-12 minutes at 380°F |
Keep in mind that cook times may need to be adjusted based on the factors mentioned previously. Always use a thermometer for the most accurate doneness reading.
Tips for Cooking Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for the best, juiciest chicken thigh results every time:
- Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help them brown better.
- Season thighs well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or marinades.
- Allow marinated thighs to sit at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Sear, grill or broil thighs first to get a nice browned crust.
- Flip thighs only once during cooking to get an evenly caramelized exterior.
- Bake or finish cooking thighs to temperature in a 375°F oven if pan searing.
- Allow thighs to rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicier results.
- Take thighs out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking so they cook more evenly.
Common Ways to Use Cooked Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful in so many recipes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use cooked chicken thighs:
- Casseroles – Chicken thigh casseroles like enchiladas, tetrazzini or pot pie make hearty family meals.
- Salads – Dice and add cooked chicken thighs to pasta, potato, grain-based or green salads.
- Sandwiches – Shred or slice chicken thighs for delicious sandwiches and wraps.
- Pizzas – Top pizza with diced or shredded cooked chicken thighs instead of boring chicken breast.
- Soups – Throw diced cooked thigh meat into soups like chicken noodle, tortilla soup or chicken and dumplings.
- Burritos and tacos – Swap in flavorful chicken thighs for standard chicken in Mexican dishes.
- Meal prep – Bake a batch of chicken thighs to use throughout the week in various recipes.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken thighs doesn’t have to be complicated. For bone-in thighs, aim for 30-40 minutes in the oven, 12-15 minutes per side on the grill, or 6-8 minutes per side pan seared. Boneless thighs cook faster, in just 8-12 minutes grilled or 3-5 minutes pan seared. Use a thermometer to guarantee thighs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Allow thighs to rest before serving for maximum juiciness. Season, marinate and sear thighs well for the best flavor. Chicken thighs are so versatile in meals, sandwiches, salads and more. With the proper cook time, you’ll enjoy tender and juicy chicken thighs every time.