Many people love the tenderness and juiciness of chicken thighs. We can take a look at the fast food commercials and we’ll know. In your grocery, you can choose the boneless variety or the ones with bone. Thighs with bone, also known as ‘drumsticks,’ are sold cheaper than the ones without the bone. With a couple of herbs and spices, marinate chicken thighs and roast them to bring out their best flavor.
Chicken Thighs Recipe
Chicken Thighs
If you prefer a skinless product, opt for chicken thighs that are bone-in. They'll retain more moisture than chicken breasts and are the most delicious choice when it comes to roasting chicken. And you can enjoy the same flavor in either form. Once you've chosen a thigh that suits your taste, you can now prepare the rest of the meal.Once you're ready to cook your chicken thighs, you can choose to roast them or bake them.
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 177kcal
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Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6-8 drumsticks with skin
- 3 cloves garlic pressed only
- 3 tsp. olive oil
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary or thyme chopped
- rosemary sprigs or thyme sprigs
Materials
- skillet or baking pan
- aluminum foil
- tongs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven into about 450⁰F. Heat the oven to 450° F. Line baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease the foil. (When using a skillet, also preheat the skillet.)
- In a large bowl, combine all the herbs, spices and salt.
- Put the thighs with the herbs and seasonings and drizzle with olive oil.
- Arrange the coated drumsticks in the baking pan (or preheated skillet) and also include the rosemary and thyme sprigs. (Be careful when you are arranging the chicken thighs in a pre-heated skillet.)
- Put the pan into the oven and roast the chicken thighs for about 30-40 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Make use of a thermometer to determine if the meat has been already cooked.
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Notes
If you're looking for an easy way to cook chicken thighs, you can always cook the thighs separately. Once you've removed the skin, the chicken is ready to bake. You can then add seasonings. After the thighs have dried, sprinkle them with olive oil. While both types of thighs are great for cooking, each will produce slightly different results. You can use the thigh for both chicken breasts and thighs.
Nutrition
Serving: 100grams | Calories: 177kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 87mg
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
How to prepare Chicken Thighs in a slow cooker
- Preparation: Gather your ingredients. You’ll need chicken thighs, your choice of herbs and spices (like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, etc.), salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs and spices. Don’t be shy – this is where you’re building the flavor profile of your dish.
- Searing the Chicken: While this step isn’t necessary for slow cooking, searing the chicken thighs on the stovetop before adding them to the slow cooker can add a depth of flavor to the dish. Simply heat some olive oil in a pan, add the chicken thighs, and cook until they’re browned on all sides.
- Slow Cooking: Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow, gentle cooking process will allow the chicken thighs to become tender and flavorful.
- Final Touches: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes to get a crispy skin, if you like. This step is optional, but it adds a nice textural contrast to the tender meat.
- Enjoy: And there you have it – perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful chicken thighs, all prepared using a slow cooker! This method is not only convenient but also helps to retain the juices of the chicken thighs, making your meal even more delicious.
Tips for making Chicken Thighs
Serving Suggestions with Chicken Thighs
- When it comes to pairing sides with chicken thighs, the possibilities are endless. A classic choice is roasted vegetables—think sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, whose natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavor of the chicken. A light, crisp salad can also provide a refreshing contrast.
- For garnishes, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the dish, adding both color and depth of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten up the dish, enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
- As for beverages, white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair wonderfully with chicken thighs. The wine’s acidity cuts through the chicken’s richness, balancing the flavors in your palate. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of apple cider or a tangy, homemade lemonade would complement the dish nicely.
- There are plenty of ways to serve chicken thighs besides the traditional plate-up. Consider shredding the cooked meat for use in tacos or stir-fries. You could also dice them for inclusion in salads or pastas.
Cooking Tips for Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs are a delight to cook with, but there are some tips and tricks that can ensure you get the best out of this flavorful cut of meat.
- Firstly, don’t skimp on the marinade time. Marinades not only infuse the chicken with flavor but also tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinating overnight will yield even better results.
- Secondly, remember to pat your chicken thighs dry before cooking. This helps to achieve a beautifully crispy skin. If you’re baking or roasting, consider starting with a high heat to crisp up the skin, then lowering the temperature to ensure the inside cooks evenly without drying out.
- One common mistake to avoid is undercooking. Chicken thighs should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.
- Another mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing or sautéing chicken thighs. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, which may affect the flavor and texture.
- Lastly, resting your cooked chicken thighs before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for a juicier, more flavorful bite. Aim for at least five minutes of rest time under a foil tent before diving in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Thighs
- How can I store leftover cooked chicken thighs? When it comes to storing leftover chicken thighs, the go-to method is refrigeration. Ensure you allow the chicken thighs to cool to room temperature before transferring them into airtight containers or wrapping in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They should be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or colder for up to 3–4 days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing. Frozen cooked chicken can last for 2–6 months. Always remember to reheat thoroughly before consuming.
- Are chicken thighs safe to eat if left out overnight? No, they’re not. Perishable foods like chicken thighs should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours when it’s at room temperature, or more than one hour at temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Bacteria multiply rapidly in these conditions, which could lead to foodborne illness.
- Can I freeze raw chicken thighs? Absolutely! You can freeze raw chicken thighs for up to nine months in a freezer-safe bag or container. However, for optimal taste and texture, it’s best to use them within the first few months of freezing.
- What are the signs of spoilage in chicken thighs? Signs that chicken thighs have spoiled include a sour smell, dull color, and slimy texture; do not consume if these signs are present as they indicate bacterial growth.
- How long can I marinate chicken thighs? Chicken thighs can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes to overnight. However, if your marinade contains acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar, do not marinate for more than 2 hours to avoid the meat becoming tough.
Discover the joy of cooking chicken thighs with our easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips. Click here to start your culinary adventure!
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