Gordon Ramsay is known for turning simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces His chicken thighs are a prime example – crispy skin encasing succulent, flavorful meat. Ramsay’s technique produces chicken thighs that are tender and juicy on the inside with an incredible crusty exterior.
So how does the famous chef work his magic? Let’s break down his step-by-step method for cooking chicken thighs to absolute perfection
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Like most dishes, Ramsay’s chicken thighs start with high-quality ingredients. He prefers using:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc. to infuse robust aromas
- Real butter for richness and moisture
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for searing and preventing sticking
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for seasoning
Quality ingredients provide the strong foundation needed to build standout flavors
Scoring the Skin
Before cooking the chicken, Ramsay likes to lightly score the skin. This involves using a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the surface of the skin.
Scoring helps render the fat more evenly for better crispiness. It allows more surface area for the skin to brown and crisp up.
Season Generously
Next, Ramsay liberally seasons both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Proper seasoning is key for coaxing out the thigh meat’s savory umami flavors. He may also add spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, etc.
Searing for Crispy Skin
The pan-searing process is vital for achieving ultra-crispy chicken skin. Ramsay heats up a heavy skillet with a bit of oil until very hot.
He places the thighs skin-side down and lets them sear undisturbed for 6-8 minutes. This helps the skin brown deeply and develop a rugged crust.
During this stage, resist the urge to move the chicken thighs around. Just let them sizzle until the skin naturally releases itself from the pan.
Basting with Butter
Once the skin is beautifully crisped, Ramsay adds butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme to the pan.
As the aromatic butter melts, he bastes the chicken thighs by continuously spooning it over them. This adds moisture and infuses them with flavor.
Finishing in the Oven
For plump and juicy meat all the way through, Ramsay transfers the skillet to a hot oven.
The thighs cook for 10-15 minutes at around 400°F until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F.
The oven’s ambient heat surrounds the thighs to gently finish cooking them without drying them out.
Resting for Tenderness
A crucial final step is allowing the chicken thighs to rest after cooking. Ramsay lets them sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Resting gives time for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This results in thighs that are exceptionally moist, tender, and flavorful.
Slice into chicken straight from the oven and risk losing those delicious juices!
Serving Suggestions
A few ideas to serve alongside Ramsay’s succulent chicken thighs:
- Roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the pan juices
- Sautéed vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus
- Simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette
- Cheesy polenta or creamy risotto
- Crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful pan sauce
With crispy skin, irresistibly tender meat, and incredible depth of flavor, it’s easy to see why Gordon Ramsay’s chicken thighs are a gastronomic work of art. Follow his lead and enjoy restaurant-quality thighs at home tonight!
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Find all the recipe inspiration you need here for your next meal. Whether it’s more of a classic take on chicken, like a chicken terrine, or a masterclass in wings, these easy ideas are perfect to whip up for a quick dinner or lunch.
Upgrade Your Chicken Recipes with Gordon Ramsay & Richard Blais | Next Level Kitchen
FAQ
What is the best method of cooking chicken thighs?
If you’re looking for a quick, relatively easy path to crispy-skinned thighs with juicy meat, call in the skillet-only method. If you’re a stickler for even cooking, the sear and high-heat roast method is the way to go. For beautifully flavored meat and a light, crisp skin, try the dry brine and slow roast.
How do you cook chicken thighs perfectly according to a chef who makes them every day?
“Sear them skin-side down in a hot cast iron pan until the skin is crisp, then transfer the whole pan to the oven.” After searing, Giberson (who always marinates the thighs overnight) says, “place in the oven at 350°F, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let them stand uncovered for 5 minutes and serve.”
Is it better to bake or sear chicken thighs?
Searing the skin on the stovetop (you can choose between whether to preheat the pan or not) and finishing the chicken in the oven ensures golden-brown skin and flavorful, tender meat.
Does Gordon Ramsay Cook chicken thighs?
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Thighs are pan-seared and oven-finished for crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Cooked with garlic, butter, and fresh thyme or rosemary, the dish is simple yet bursting with flavor. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season well with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
How do you cook chicken thighs in the oven?
Baste the chicken by spooning the melted butter over the thighs for 1-2 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
How long do you cook bone in chicken thighs?
Lay the chicken thighs on the baking pan. Leave a few inches of space between each piece. The bake time for bone-in chicken thighs is about 30 to 40 minutes. Use the convection or air fryer setting if you have it. If you don’t have a convection or air fryer setting the chicken may take an extra few minutes to come to temperature.