The popularity of fried chicken is timeless, and for the unversed in the kitchen it can be daunting to know exactly how long to fry chicken thighs. Whether you are interested in perfecting your fried chicken recipe or are just looking for something delicious and different from the standard options, frying your own chicken thighs can be a fun, rewarding experience.
Learn all about how long to fry perfectly crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside golden brown chicken thighs with these helpful tips – no deep frying knowledge required!
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How Long to Fry Chicken Thighs
When frying chicken thighs, you want to make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F. How long it takes to reach this temperature will depend on several factors such as the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, the oil or fat used, and how frequently you turn them over during cooking. Generally speaking, it takes about 12-15 minutes for an average-sized thigh to cook through in a 350°F oil or shortening.
How to Fry Chicken Thighs
Once you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started! Heat oil or shortening in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C). Carefully add chicken thighs one at a time to the hot oil. Let cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Carefully remove chicken from oil and place onto a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
What Are Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are one of the most popular cuts of chicken as they provide an abundance of flavor even when cooked with minimal ingredients. They come from the upper leg area, and contain a higher fat content than other parts of the bird. This fat helps keep them juicy and tender during cooking.
Perfect Chicken Thighs to Fry
When choosing thighs for frying, look for ones that are about the same size and thickness. This will ensure even cooking times and more consistent results. Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before you start to fry it, as this will help promote browning of the skin and reduce cooking time.
Preparation: Prepping the Thighs
Before you start frying chicken thighs, make sure that the skin has been removed. Doing so will reduce the fat content of your dish and help keep it from becoming too greasy. You can also season the thighs before frying to add extra flavor – a little salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika work great!
Boneless Chicken Thighs
For even quicker cooking times, you can opt for boneless chicken thighs. Boneless chicken is already cut into smaller pieces, so it cooks much faster than bone-in thighs. To get the most flavor out of your boneless thighs, make sure to season them with salt and pepper before frying.
Boneless chicken is best cooked in a skillet with a little bit of oil – just make sure to keep an eye on it as it can easily overcook!
Frying Basics: Heat, Oil & Time
When it comes to frying chicken thighs, the key is to make sure that your oil is hot enough and that you don’t overcrowd the pan. If your oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken won’t get crispy; if it’s too hot, it will burn before its cooked through. As a rule of thumb, aim for 350°F (177°C) when cooking with oil or shortening – this should give you perfectly golden and crispy fried chicken every time!
Finally, remember to always adjust your cooking times based on the size of the pieces – larger pieces will take longer to cook than smaller ones. Keep an eye on your food while its cooking and check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into its thickest part to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking Temperature: Set the Right Heat
Cooking temperature is very important when frying chicken thighs – too low and you won’t get a nice golden crust, but too high and the inside will be raw. To ensure consistent results, always use an accurate digital thermometer to check the oil temperature before adding your chicken. Aim for 350°F (177°C) for maximum crispiness!
Doneness: Check for Internal Temp
When it comes to chicken, the only way to make sure that it is cooked through is by checking its internal temperature. Use an accurate digital thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the thigh – you should get a reading of 165°F (74°C). If not, continue cooking for a few minutes more before checking again.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
– Always use fresh, never frozen chicken thighs
– Make sure to season your chicken thighs before frying for maximum flavor
– Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary
– Keep an eye on your food while its cooking and check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into its thickest part
– Let cooked chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
– Choose chicken thighs that are the same size and thickness for even cooking times
– Season the chicken before adding it to the hot oil for extra flavor
– Make sure that your oil is hot enough (350°F/177°C) but not too hot or it will burn
– Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C)
Fried chicken thighs make a delicious addition to any meal, and with these tips you can be sure to get perfectly crispy results every time! Now get out there and start frying up some tasty treats!
Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Ingredients
For the buttermilk marinade:
-1 cup buttermilk
-2 tablespoons hot sauce
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon onion powder
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the flour breading:
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon onion powder
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1 tablespoon salt
-1 tablespoon black pepper
- Instructions
– Marinate the chicken thighs:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
– Make the flour coating:
1. In a large shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Deep Fried Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Ingredients:
– 4 boneless chicken thighs (skinless if desired)
– 1 cup of buttermilk
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
- Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a shallow bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
2. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C).
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper; mix well. Remove each thigh from the buttermilk one by one
How To Store Fried Chicken Thighs
Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container so they don’t dry out. Reheat leftovers by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the chicken until warmed through.
- Store In the fridge: Fried chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Store in the freezer: Fried chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake until warmed through.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken Thighs
- In the microwave: Just place the chicken on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- In The Oven: When you’re eager to enjoy the fried chicken again, heat your oven up to 400°F and prepare for a delicious treat! Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts of Fried Chicken Thighs
Fried chicken thighs are a tasty, high-protein snack or meal. A serving of fried chicken thighs contains approximately:
– Calories: 287
– Fat: 19g
– Protein: 18g
– Carbs: 4g
Fried chicken thighs are not the healthiest way to get your protein but can be enjoyed occasionally in moderation for a delicious treat!
Dishes served with fried chicken thighs
- Thai-Style Fried Chicken Thighs with Basil and Rice
- Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Lemon Aioli
- Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Sauce
- Sweet Chili Glazed Fried Chicken Thighs
- Fried chicken thighs can be enjoyed as a main course, or served with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, and more. Get creative with your favorite sauces and seasonings for a variety of delicious dishes!
The best oil to fry chicken in
That is vegetable or peanut oil since they both have high smoke points. How long to fry chicken thighs depends on the thickness, but generally it should take about 10 minutes in a medium-high heat oil (350°F/177°C). To ensure it’s cooked through, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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FAQ
Q: How many minutes do I cook fried chicken?
A: How long to fry chicken thighs depends on the thickness, but generally it should take about 10 minutes in a 350°F/177°C oil. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Q: How can I make fried chicken crispy?
A: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying, and try double-dredging your chicken – dip it first in seasoned flour then egg wash and seasoned flour again. This creates a thicker coating that will get extra crunchy when fried! Also, use high-heat cooking oils like vegetable or peanut oil.
Q: How can I keep fried chicken warm?
A: Place your cooked chicken in an oven-safe dish and set the oven to 200°F (93°C). Cover with aluminum foil or place a lid on top and heat for up to 30 minutes, or until ready to serve. Alternatively, you can also place cooked chicken pieces in an airtight container and reheat them briefly in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I reheat the fried chicken?
A: Yes, you can reheat fried chicken in the oven or microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the chicken until warmed through. Or just place the chicken on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes in the microwave, or until heated through.
Q: How long will fried chicken last?
A: Fried chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as desired.
Q: How much oil do you put in a pan to fry chicken thighs?
A: How much oil you use for frying chicken thighs depends on the size of your pan. When using a skillet, fill it with enough oil so that the chicken is completely submerged. If you’re unsure, aim for 1-2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) of oil in the skillet.
Q: Is fried chicken healthy?
A: Fried chicken can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Generally speaking, fried foods are high in saturated fat and calories which can increase your risk of certain health conditions if eaten regularly or in large amounts. However, each serving of fried chicken thighs contains approximately 287 Calories, 19g Fat, 18g Protein, and 4g Carbs – making it a high-protein snack or meal.
Fried chicken thighs are not the healthiest way to get your protein but can be enjoyed occasionally in moderation for a delicious treat!
Q: Do you fry chicken thighs on high or low heat?
A: When frying chicken thighs, you should use medium-high heat oil (350°F/177°C). How long to fry chicken thighs depends on the thickness, but generally it should take about 10 minutes. To ensure it’s cooked through, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Q: Is it better to fry chicken in canola oil or vegetable oil?
A: Both canola oil and vegetable oil are suitable choices for frying chicken thighs. Canola oil contains a high smoke point, meaning it won’t break down as quickly at high heat, while vegetable oil has better flavor. Ultimately, both oils work well when frying chicken so it comes down to personal preference!
Q: Should I put water in the pan when baking chicken?
A: No, you should not add water to the pan when baking chicken. Water will keep the chicken moist while it is cooking but can also prevent the skin from getting crispy and golden brown. If you want juicy and tender chicken with a crisp outer layer, oven-roasting or grilling is preferable.
Q: How do I prevent my fried chicken from getting soggy?
A: To prevent fried chicken from getting soggy, make sure the oil is hot enough and double-dredge your chicken in a mixture of seasoned flour before frying. You can also transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe dish or airtight container and place it in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) for up to 30 minutes, or reheat briefly in the microwave when ready to serve. Lastly, be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying – this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy fried chicken.
Conclusion
Fried chicken thighs are a delicious indulgence, but it’s important to practice moderation and follow the guidelines for frying safely. How long do you fry chicken thighs? Set your stovetop to medium-high heat (about 350°F/177°C) and cook each side of the chicken thigh for approximately 10 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C is reached.
Canola oil and vegetable oil both work well when frying chicken, as does double-dredging in seasoned flour for added flavor and crispy texture. Reheat cooked fried chicken in the oven or microwave if desired – just remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy your fried chicken thighs!
I hope this has been helpful in understanding How Long to Fry Chicken Thighs. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!
