How to Cook Chicken Thighs on Stove

Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be cooked in many different ways. One popular way to cook chicken thighs is on the stove, which is quick and easy. In this article, we will show you how to cook chicken thighs on the stove and provide tips to make them moist and flavorful.

Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs

When shopping for chicken thighs, you want to look for ones that are fresh and have a good amount of fat. The fat helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. You can choose bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, depending on your preference. Bone-in chicken thighs have more flavor but take longer to cook, while boneless thighs cook faster but have less flavor.

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

Before cooking the chicken thighs, you need to prepare them. If you are using bone-in thighs, you can remove the skin or leave it on, depending on your preference. If you are using boneless thighs, you can trim any excess fat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme.

Cooking the Chicken Thighs

To cook chicken thighs on the stove, you need a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan. Heat some oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, in the pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side down if using bone-in thighs. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-6 minutes. If you are using bone-in thighs, you can cover the pan with a lid to help cook the chicken through.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not cooked through, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes. Take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Adding Flavor to Chicken Thighs

To add more flavor to chicken thighs, you can marinate them before cooking. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking.

You can also add flavor to the pan sauce by deglazing the pan with wine or chicken broth after cooking the chicken. This will help loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan and create a flavorful sauce.

Tips for Cooking Succulent Chicken Thighs

To ensure your chicken thighs are moist and flavorful, follow these tips:

– Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan for even heating.
– Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steamed chicken.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Table

Here’s a table summarizing the cooking times for chicken thighs:

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and have less flavor than chicken thighs.

Q: Do I have to use a cast-iron pan?
A: No, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. Just make sure it has a lid if you are using bone-in thighs.

Q: How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).