How To Debone A Chicken Thigh – A Step-By-Step Guide

Deboning chicken thighs may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a simple process that anyone can master with some practice. Learning how to debone thighs allows you to save money by buying bone-in chicken and removing the bones yourself. You also gain access to the bones for making broth or stock. Read on for a step-by-step guide to cleanly and easily removing the bones from chicken thighs.

Why Debone Chicken Thighs?

Here are some of the main reasons you may want to debone chicken thighs

• Cost savings – Bone-in chicken thighs are significantly cheaper than buying boneless thighs. Deboning them yourself saves money.

• Better flavor – The bone contributes flavor as the thigh cooks. Deboning your own thighs allows you to cook them bone-in for maximum flavor then remove the bone before eating.

• Utilize the bones – Don’t waste those chicken bones! Save them in the freezer to make chicken stock, which adds flavor to everything from risottos to gravies.

• Specific recipes – Some recipes, like chicken salad or stuffed chicken thighs, call for boneless thighs. Deboning them yourself lets you use what you have on hand.

• More options – Grocery stores rarely sell boneless, skin-on thighs. Deboning them gives you this versatility.

What You Need

Deboning chicken thighs is simple with just a knife and cutting board. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Sharp knife (a boning knife is ideal if you have one)

• Cutting board

• Kitchen shears (optional)

• Paper towels

• Kitchen twine (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for clean, easy, boneless chicken thighs every time.

1. Feel for the Bone

Place the chicken thigh skin-side down on the cutting board. Run your fingers over the meat to feel where the bone is. You’ll feel a long, solid bone running through the center.

2. Cut Along Both Sides of the Bone

Using your knife, make an incision down one side of the bone, cutting through the meat and fat to expose the bone. Repeat on the other side of the bone.

3. Scrape the Meat Off the Bone

Place your knife perpendicular to the bone. While holding the exposed bone with one hand, use the knife in your other hand to scrape and cut the meat away from the bone.

4. Cut the Connective Tissue

Once most of the meat is freed from the bone, cut through any remaining connective tissue at the top and bottom of the bone to completely detach the bone from the thigh meat.

5. Remove the Bone and Clean Up

Grab the exposed bone and wiggle it out from the meat. Trim off any excess fat or cartilage. Visually inspect to ensure no bone fragments remain.

6. Repeat with Remaining Thighs

Debone the rest of the chicken thighs, one at a time. Keep the deboned thighs in the fridge while you work.

Tips for Deboning Chicken Thighs

Follow these tips for clean, easy, professional results:

• Use a very sharp knife or boning knife to easily cut through the meat and joints.

• Don’t throw out the bones! Save them in the freezer for making chicken stock.

• Let thighs sit at room temp for 15 minutes before deboning for easier separation from the bones.

• For safety, debone chicken on a separate cutting board from produce.

• Save time by cutting off the whole leg and deboning only the thighs if using chicken legs.

• For boneless, skinless thighs, simply remove the skin first by grasping and slicing underneath.

• For evenly sized thigh pieces, cut along the thigh joint after deboning.

Common Questions

How do I know I got all the bones out?

Visually inspect and feel over the meat for any remaining bones. Also, if cutting the thigh for stir-fry, check the slices.

Can I use kitchen shears instead of a knife?

Yes, kitchen shears work well, especially for cutting through the joints and severing the bones.

What if some of the meat stays stuck to the bone?

This can happen, especially around the joints. Just trim off what meat you can and salvage it. Getting a very clean bone isn’t crucial.

What recipes work best for boneless thighs?

Stuffed thighs, thigh skewers, casseroles, chicken salad, and stir fries are great uses for boneless, skin-on thighs.

Time to Cook!

Now that you know how to debone chicken thighs, try using them in these delicious recipes:

• Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs

• Thai Chicken Thigh Skewers

• Jerk Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken Salad

The possibilities are endless for boneless, skin-on chicken thighs! By mastering how to quickly and easily debone chicken thighs, you can create delicious home-cooked meals on a budget.