Deep fried chicken is a delicious guilty pleasure that many of us love to indulge in. When done right deep frying can yield incredibly moist, juicy and flavorful chicken with a wonderfully crispy exterior. But getting the perfect deep fried chicken can be tricky especially when working with boneless chicken thighs. Overcook them and you’ll end up with dry, bland meat. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning from raw chicken. So how long do you need to deep fry boneless chicken thighs to get that sweet spot of perfect doneness? Let’s dive in and find out!
Why Temperature and Time Matters
The key to perfect deep fried boneless chicken thighs lies in managing two key variables – oil temperature and cooking time Together, these two factors determine how quickly the chicken cooks and how moist it stays on the inside while crisping up on the outside
High oil temperature is critical for getting a crispy crust. The boiling hot oil sears the surface of the chicken, creating that signature crunchy texture we know and love. But if the oil is too hot, the exterior can burn before the inside is fully cooked.
Cooking time also needs to be just right. Too little time and the chicken won’t be cooked through. Too much time and it’ll end up dry and overdone. The thickness of the thighs impacts cooking time. Thicker thighs need a little longer to cook through than thin ones.
So to perfectly fry boneless thighs, you need just the right combo of temperature and frying duration
##Ideal Oil Temperature for Frying Boneless Thighs
When deep frying boneless chicken thighs, you want the oil temperature to be between 350-375°F. This gives you the best of both worlds – hot enough to achieve a crispy browned exterior while still gently cooking the inside.
If you don’t have a deep fry thermometer, there is a quick test you can do to check if your oil is ready. Simply drop a small piece of bread in the oil. If the bread sizzles and turns golden brown within 60 seconds, your oil is good to go!
Maintaining a consistent temperature is also crucial. The temperature will drop when you add the cold chicken to the hot oil. To prevent drastic dips, fry the thighs in batches and let the oil come fully back up to temperature between each batch.
##How Long to Deep Fry Boneless Chicken Thighs
The ideal frying time for boneless chicken thighs is generally 6-8 minutes per batch. Thinner thighs may only need 5-6 minutes while thicker ones can go up to 10 minutes.
Here are some general frying time guidelines based on thigh thickness:
- Small/thin thighs (1⁄4 inch thick): 3-5 minutes
- Medium thighs (1⁄2 inch thick): 5-7 minutes
- Large/thick thighs (3⁄4 inch thick): 7-10 minutes
Frying times may vary a bit based on the actual temperature of your oil, the size of your batch, and how crowded the fryer is. Keep a close eye on the first batch and adjust time for subsequent batches as needed.
Checking Doneness of Fried Chicken Thighs
With boneless thighs, you can’t rely on juices running clear to check doneness since there are no bones. The best way to ensure your chicken is properly cooked through is to use a digital meat thermometer.
Chicken thighs are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. To check, insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, taking care not to touch any bones.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into a thigh after frying. The meat should appear white throughout with no traces of pink. Pop it back in for another minute or two if underdone.
##Tips for Perfectly Fried Chicken Thighs Every Time
Here are some extra tips to take your deep fried boneless chicken thighs to the next level:
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Pat the thighs dry well before frying to help the coating adhere and prevent excess splattering.
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Use a dry dredge technique for extra crispy results. Coat with seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, then coat again with flour, panko or cornbread crumbs.
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Let the dredged thighs rest 5-10 minutes before frying so the coating sticks better.
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Fry in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the oil or temperature will drop too much.
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Flip halfway through frying for even cooking on both sides.
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Let fried thighs drain on a wire rack or paper towels before serving.
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Check oil temp periodically. Adjust heat to maintain consistent temperature.
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Allow oil to fully reheat between batches. Fry at 350-375°F.
Mastering the ideal frying duration and oil temperature is key to achieving the perfect crispy, juicy boneless chicken thighs. With the right technique, you can enjoy this delicious southern favorite any night of the week!
How do You Tell if the Fried Chicken Thighs are Properly Cooked?
Frying is one of the best ways to cook chicken thighs. However, it is also possible to undercook the chicken using this method.
Undercooking a chicken thigh is a possibility when the cooking oil is too hot or the heat is too high. You can overcook the outside, but the inside of the meat might still be raw or slightly undercooked.
The best way to ensure that the fried chicken thighs are cooked fully is to use a digital thermometer. Insert the probe into the center part of the chicken. The temperature reading should be 165 degrees F. At this internal temperature, the chicken is cooked, and it is safe to eat.
Make sure to heat the oil up to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken thighs in small batches. If you crowd the pan, it will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in an uneven cooking result. Make sure to cook a few pieces at a time.
You can tell if the fried chicken thigh is done based on the color of the exterior. When it is golden brown on the outside (after approximately 20 minutes of cooking), then it is ready.
Dangers of Consuming Raw or Undercooked Chicken
According to the Center for Disease Control, chicken is often contaminated with various types of bacteria such as salmonella, clostridium perfrigens, and campylobacter. These bacteria are killed during the cooking process, so you won’t have to worry about them when you eat chicken.
The danger is when you consume raw or undercooked chicken. If you do so, you could acquire foodborne illnesses and could suffer from food poisoning. It is not just by consuming the chicken that you could be at risk of food poisoning. It can also happen as a result of cross-contamination, such as when the bacteria are spread to other food items or your utensils in the kitchen during the food preparation.
Hence, you must be extremely cautious when preparing chicken to ensure that you do not spread the bacteria in your kitchen. In the US alone, the CDC estimates that over 1 million people suffer from food poisoning due to eating contaminated poultry, which includes chicken.
The Best Fried Chicken You’ll Ever Make | Epicurious 101
FAQ
How long does it take for boneless chicken thighs to deep fry?
How long to deep fry chicken thighs? In general, it’ll take about 12-18 minutes.
What is the cooking time for boneless chicken thighs?
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until thighs are no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 25 minutes.
How long to fry boneless chicken at 350 degrees?
Deep frying chicken breast at 350°F typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes per piece, depending on the thickness of the breast. To ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.