How long do I cook chicken thighs?

Cook chicken thighs at 190°C (fan 170°C) for 25–35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 75°C.

How do I prepare chicken thighs?

Trim any excess fat, pat chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper, and season as desired.

How do I debone chicken thighs?

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut around the bone and remove it, keeping as much meat intact as possible. Alternatively, opt for boneless chicken thighs.

Can you cook chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook chicken thighs from frozen, but increase the cooking time by 50% and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 75°C.

Can chicken thighs be pink?

Cooked chicken thighs may appear slightly pink near the bone but are safe to eat if the internal temperature is 75°C.

How long do I defrost chicken thighs?

Defrost chicken thighs in the fridge for 24 hours or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster results.

How do I season chicken thighs?

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices, herbs, or marinades to suit your recipe.

Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken thighs are a tender cut of meat that are packed with flavour, versatile in the kitchen, and perfect for everything from quick one-pot meals to impressive dinners.

A Slightly Surreal Singapore Chicken Laksa

Christmas Camembert Burger

Crispy Rosemary Chicken & Camembert Burger, Mustard Mayo, Chips and Cranberry Slaw

Chicken Thighs in Creamy Pesto Sauce

with Oregano Roasted Potatoes and Peas

Pulled Chipotle Chicken and Chorizo Quesadillas

with Sweet Potato Chips, Avocado & Tomato Salsa and Soured Cream

Chermoula Baked Chicken Thighs

with Spiced Aubergine, Harissa Rice and Yoghurt

Hot Honey Spiced Chicken Thighs

with Rosemary Chips and Baby Gem Salad

Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Style Salad

with Garlic Croutons, Peanuts and Sambal Mayo Drizzle

Korean Style Gochujang Chicken Bao Buns

with Sesame Wedges and Pickled Asian Salad

Chicken Korma Traybake

with Spiced Potatoes and Mango Slaw

Classic Cheeseburger and Cheat's Chicken Caesar Salad

with Herby Handcut Chips and Parmigiano Reggiano

Fuss-Free Cheesy Pesto Chicken Traybake

with Roasted Veg, Herby Potatoes and Balsamic Glaze

Tandoori Style Chicken Loaded Naans

with Wedges, Mint Raita and Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Yakitori Chicken Skewer Rice Bowl

with Pickled Radishes, Mange Tout and Sesame Mayo

Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs

with Spiced Creamy Lentils

Korma Fried Chicken Bao Buns

with Cumin Wedges and Cucumber Raita Style Slaw

Peri Peri Chicken and Charred Corn Salad

with Roasted Sweet Potato and Soured Cream

Spring Chicken, Peas and Potatoes

with Roasted Shallots, Greek Style Salad Cheese and Pesto

Middle Eastern Style Mezze Feast

Harissa Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Koftas, Flatbreads, Falafel, Houmous and Chips

Crispy Japanese Style Fried Chicken

with Sesame Wedges, Stir-Fried Vegetables and Sriracha Mayo

Chermoula Pulled Chicken Flatbreads

with Halloumi & Potato Fries, Rocket Salad and Garlic Yoghurt

Portuguese Style Chicken

with Roasted Red Pepper, Couscous and Minty Yogurt Dip

Sri Lankan Inspired Chicken Thigh Curry

with Ginger Roasted Vegetables

Crumbed Chicken Burger

with Sriracha Mayo & Ginger Carrot Slaw

Tuscan Inspired Pulled Chicken Stew

with Ciabatta and Cheese

Glazed Peri Peri Chicken Thighs

with Herby Chips and Zesty Green Beans & Peas

Shanghai Chicken Stir-Fry

with Red Pepper and Noodles

Honey Mustard Chicken

with Buttery Veggies and Mash

Get inspired

How to Cook Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a naturally juicy cut of meat that is so easy to cook. They are more delicate in texture than chicken breast and heartier in size compared to chicken drumsticks. Whether bone-in or boneless, they can be prepared in countless ways to suit your taste. For crispy skin and tender meat, try roasting or pan-frying them. If you prefer softer, fall-apart chicken, braising or slow cooking in a rich sauce works wonderfully. Marinating the thighs beforehand enhances their taste, while seasoning them generously brings out their natural richness. Whichever method you choose, be sure to cook your chicken thighs to the right internal temperature. For boneless chicken thighs, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure they’re fully cooked but still moist. Bone-in thighs may need a few extra minutes, reaching around 80°C (175°F) to achieve tender, pull-apart meat.

The Best Meals to Cook with Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a variety of delicious meals from different cuisines. Here are some of the best options:

Chicken thigh curry - Chicken thighs work perfectly in curry recipes because they absorb the rich spices and seasonings of the curry sauce while maintaining moisture during cooking.

Chicken thigh tacos - Try making flavourful chicken thigh tacos by marinating the meat in lime, garlic, and chili, then grilling or searing for a smoky, spicy filling.

Southern fried style chicken thighs - For a comforting meal, coat chicken thighs in seasoned flour and fry them until crispy for a tasty American style dinner.

Chicken thigh veggie traybake - Roast chicken thighs with your favourite root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all seasoned with herbs for a simple and tasty one-pan meal.

Chicken thigh pasta - Add chicken thighs to a creamy pasta sauce with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a rich and satisfying pasta dish.

Chicken thigh stir fry - Create a quick stir-fry with chicken thighs, bell peppers, broccoli, and a savoury soy sauce-based glaze for a colourful and nutritious weeknight dinner.