Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a popular and versatile ingredient, perfect for quick and easy meals with a variety of flavors and cuisines. Whether it’s pan-seared, grilled or roasted, chicken thighs are packed with flavor, tender and juicy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s how to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs in five delicious ways.
1. Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs
Pan-seared chicken thighs are an excellent way to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs, as they quickly develop a crispy golden and flavorful crust on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
To cook perfect pan-seared chicken thighs, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as olive oil, and let it heat up.
2. Pat your boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. Season the chicken with your favorite seasoning, such as salt, pepper, or a seasoning mix.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Flip the chicken thighs over and sear the other side for another 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Serve pan-seared chicken thighs with your favorite side dish, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
2. Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the summer months. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy meat, creating a delicious meal in no time.
Follow these steps for a perfect grilled chicken thigh:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your choice of seasonings, such as a rub or marinade.
3. Place chicken thighs on the grill.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilled chicken thighs are great served on their own, or you can chop them up and add them to salads or sandwiches.
3. Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked boneless skinless chicken thighs are a perfect meal prep option, as they’re simple to make in large batches.
To cook succulent and flavorful baked chicken thighs, follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking dish for your chicken.
2. Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
3. Season your chicken thighs with your favorite herbs, such as garlic powder and smoked paprika.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
5. Bake the chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Serve baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or rice pilaf.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Slow cooker chicken thighs are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Preparing them in a slow cooker means you can have a delicious and healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
To cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
1. Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your favorite seasonings.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
4. Turn your slow cooker on low and cook for four hours.
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Slow-cooker chicken thighs are an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
5. Chicken Thighs in Tomato Sauce
Chicken thighs in tomato sauce are perfect on a chilly winter night, creating rich and flavorful dinner.
For chicken thighs in tomato sauce, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
2. Season your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear your chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
4. Once your chicken thighs are well seared, transfer them to a plate.
5. Using the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
6. Add canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Give it a stir, and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes.
7. Add your chicken thighs back to the pan. Cover and allow it to simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
Serve your tomato-based chicken thighs with pasta or roasted vegetables.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs in the oven?
A: Cooking time for boneless and skinless chicken thighs in the oven is about 20-25 minutes at 425°F.
Q: Should I cook chicken thighs covered or uncovered?
A: Both cooking methods work fine, but covering your chicken thighs will help to retain the moisture and tends to cook faster.
Q: How can I tell if my chicken thighs are fully cooked?
A: The only way to tell if your chicken thighs are fully cooked is to check the internal temperature at the thickest point. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: How can I store leftover chicken thighs?
A: Store your leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to six months.
In conclusion, cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in different ways can be both versatile and delicious. By following these easy and simple steps, you can have succulent and flavorful chicken thighs for the perfect meal prep option. Whether it is grilled, slow-cooked, baked, or seared, chicken thighs can be cooked in so many ways that allow you to explore different flavors and experiment with a variety of cuisines.