Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of chicken that are perfect for easy weeknight meals. With the right technique chicken thighs can become melt-in-your-mouth tender and succulent when cooked on the stovetop. But nailing the right cooking time is essential to prevent undercooked or dried out chicken.
So how long does it take to cook chicken thighs on the stove? The answer depends on a few key factors.
Stovetop Chicken Thigh Cooking Time
The typical stovetop cooking time for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is 20-30 minutes. Boneless skinless thighs cook faster in 10-15 minutes.
This cooking time produces juicy, fully-cooked chicken thighs when using a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. It allows time for the interior to come up to the minimum safe temperature of 165°F, while also crisping up the skin.
However the precise cooking time can vary based on
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Thickness – Thicker thighs need longer cooking than thin ones.
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in thighs take longer than boneless.
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Skin on or off – Skinless cooks faster than skin-on.
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Temperature – Higher heat decreases cook time.
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Pan type – Heavy pans like cast iron retain heat better.
So let’s explore how to master stovetop chicken thighs perfectly every time.
Achieving the Ideal Texture
Chicken thighs have a tendency to dry out easily. Proper stovetop technique is key to preventing overcooking while still food safety.
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Use a meat thermometer – This guarantees thighs reach 165°F internally without cutting into them prematurely.
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Sear skin-side down first – This renders fat and crisps the skin before flipping to finish cooking.
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Avoid moving thighs – Let them cook undisturbed to prevent ripping skin or meat.
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Let rest 5 minutes – Resting allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.
Step-by-Step Stovetop Cooking Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof chicken thigh perfection:
1. Pat thighs dry – Remove excess moisture for crisper skin.
2. Generously season – Salt, pepper, herbs and spices add lots of flavor.
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat – Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel.
4. Sear skin-side down 5-7 minutes – Don’t move them so the skin gets crispy.
5. Flip and cook 10-15 more minutes – Time will vary based on thickness.
6. Check temperature – Insert thermometer in thickest part, avoid bone.
7. Remove from pan and rest 5-10 minutes – This makes them more juicy.
And that’s it! With this easy technique, you’ll have restaurant-quality crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
Cooking Different Types of Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the most common, but cooking times vary for other options:
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Boneless, skinless – Cook 10-15 minutes in a hot skillet.
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Bone-in, skinless – Will take closer to full 20-30 minutes to cook through.
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Boneless, skin-on – Remove bone but keep skin for added flavor and moisture.
No matter what type you use, following the steps above will ensure delicious, properly cooked chicken thighs.
Handy Tips for Stovetop Perfection
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Preheat skillet well before adding thighs – this prevents sticking.
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Use tongs instead of a fork to flip – this prevents puncturing the delicate skin.
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Add aromatics like garlic, shallots or herbs in the last 5 minutes – this prevents burning.
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Make a pan sauce from the fond and drippings – don’t waste these flavorful bits stuck to the pan!
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Brush skin with oil before cooking – this aids browning and makes the skin extra crispy.
Safely Storing Leftover Chicken Thighs
Properly stored, cooked chicken thighs will last 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Let cool completely before storing.
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Store thighs and pan drippings separately.
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Use shallow airtight containers for the fridge.
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Wrap tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap for the freezer.
Delicious Ways to Use Chicken Thighs
The versatility of chicken thighs makes them an endlessly useful ingredient:
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Easy weeknight skillet dinners
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Meal prep lunches and dinners
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Soups, stews, and chilis
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Salads and wraps
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Casseroles and bakes
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Tacos, enchiladas, and more
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Pasta dishes
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Pizza topping
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Sandwiches and sliders
With the perfect stovetop cooking time, you can enjoy incredibly moist, flavorful chicken thighs any night of the week. Master this easy technique and you’ll never dry out chicken again!
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The Best Pan to Use
- For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to get that crispy, golden skin.
- A stainless steel skillet will also work. Both pans allow for excellent heat retention and ensure an even sear on the chicken.
- Avoid nonstick pans for this recipe, as they won’t allow the skin to crisp up properly and might not give you the same caramelized flavor.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs
- Prep the Chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps ensure a crispy skin when cooking.
- Season. In a small bowl, combine the spices, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken generously with the spices.
- Heat the Skillet. In a large cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down.
- Sear the Chicken. Let the chicken thighs cook undisturbed for 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving the chicken around, as it may stick to the pan or prevent the skin from crisping properly.
- Flip and Cook Through. Flip the chicken thighs over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you make the sauce.
- Make the sauce. To the same skillet, add the butter, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Stir in the broth, fresh lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (half and half will work too). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish the dish. Place the chicken back in the pan with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve. Plate the chicken thighs and spoon the sauce over the top. Enjoy! If you are looking for a few simple vegetable dishes to serve on the side, try any of the following: roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or green beans almondine.
JUICY STOVE TOP CHICKEN THIGHS
FAQ
How long do chicken thighs take to cook?
How long does it take to cook chicken on the stove?
How long does it take to cook stovetop chicken thighs?
These juicy and tender crispy stove top chicken thighs is a perfect main dish. It is delicious, quick, easy and with a cooking time of about 30 minutes including prep. This stovetop chicken thighs recipe is simple to make, pan seared to perfection and a great one pan meal that the whole family would love.
How long to cook boneless chicken thighs?
Boneless chicken thighs typically take about 6 to 8 minutes per side to cook on the stove top, depending on their thickness. It’s crucial to cook them over medium heat to ensure they develop a nice sear while cooking through without burning. A total cooking time of around 12 to 16 minutes will often yield a juicy and tender result.
Can you cook chicken thighs on the stove top?
Definitely! The pan drippings from cooking chicken thighs on the stove top can be used to make a delicious sauce or gravy. Simply deglaze the pan with some chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer until reduced. Then, serve it alongside the chicken for added flavor.
How long do you cook chicken thighs at 165?
Flip the Thighs: Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the chicken. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moister chicken.
Can you cook chicken thighs with skin on?
While using high heat may cook the thighs faster, it can also lead to uneven cooking and dry the meat. It is recommended to cook chicken thighs over medium heat to ensure even cooking. 6. Can I cook the chicken thighs with the skin on? Yes, you can cook chicken thighs with the skin on the stove top.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in a frying pan?
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet without overcrowding the pan. This ensures they get a nice golden brown color. Cooking Time: Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on one side without moving them. This allows for a good sear, which locks in the moisture.