Can you cook chicken thighs the same way you cook chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs can be used in the same way as chicken breasts. While thighs are slightly lower in protein and slightly higher in fat than chicken breasts, the differences aren't huge. My favorite thing to do is use chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
The USDA guidelines list approximate cook times of40 to 50 minutes for 4 to 8 ounces of chicken thighs roasted at 350 degrees. In our basic recipe for making boneless chicken thighs, they take about 25 to 30 minutes, baked at 425 degrees F.
Easier to cook
One of the most underestimated and underappreciated qualities of chicken thighs is that they are almost impossible to overcook. The beauty of dark meat! Unlike the other common cuts of chicken (breasts), thighs are very forgiving of cooking times.
The only significant difference between the two is the fat content.Chicken thighs are fattier than the breasts and also wetter in comparison. However, while both thighs and breasts have the same relative levels of iron, sodium, and good cholesterol, they differ in the amount of calories, fat, and saturated fat.
The higher the temperature when baking chicken thighs, the golden brown outer skin it creates, which protects the dark meat from overcooking and tenderizes the inside, making it even tastier and more tender. I like to bake chicken thighs400 degrees Fahrenheit35 to 40 minutes long.
The key to perfectly cooked chicken thighs is baking375F (190C)or until the internal temperature reaches 175F (80C). The temperature of the oven is just right for the chicken to cook evenly and glow golden brown.
How long and at what temperature should you bake the drumsticks? You want to bake these at 400 degrees35-45 minuteswithout moving or rotating them during the process. This temperature and time ensures that it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Most cooks agree that chicken thighs arejuicier and spicier than breasts.
Chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, are good at an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit, but they're even better at 195. Knowing this, what is the best way to cook thighs and drumsticks? The key iscook them slowly.
Boneless chicken thighs are the fastest prepared option, and roasting thighs with skin in an oven can produce a crispy surface even without the chicken skin.
How long should I cook chicken breasts in the oven?
- 20 to 30 minutes for large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a 375 degree F oven.
- 35 to 40 minutes for large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts cooked in a 375 degree F oven.
Depending on the size of the chicken, it would take timetwo to threeThighs to match a chest.

Chicken thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts becauseThey are not the consumer's favorite cut of meat, cook more slowly and are considered dark meat. In fact, chicken thighs are usually left last because they have more bone and fat and aren't as easy to eat as the rest of the chicken.
I recommend baking chicken thighs at 450 degrees F because the high temperature makes the skin super crispy and the inside juicy.You can also bake them at 400 or 425 degrees F, but it will take longer. I actually don't recommend oven baked chicken thighs at lower temperatures like 350 or even 375.
The average time to bake chicken thighs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is 50 minutes. This is for boned thighs. Note that the thickness of the chicken can affect the cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
In an oven preheated to 350, boneless chicken thighs should bake for 25-30 minutes. Bone-in chicken thighs need to bake for 45-50 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C. Place chicken thighs in a casserole dish; Season both sides with garlic powder and onion flakes. Bake in preheated oven until bone is no longer pink and juice runs clearabout 30 minutes.
cooking tips
Chicken breasts at 350°F (177˚C) for25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 74°C.
Cut | Internal Temperature |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless thighs Small piece (60 g raw) Large piece (115 g raw) | 74 °C (165 °F) |
Leg/leg boneless, skinless Small piece (80 g raw) Large piece (130 g raw) | 74 °C (165 °F) |
Breast with bone Small piece (170 g raw) Large piece (250 g raw) | 74 °C (165 °F) |
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken thigh quarters or thigh pieces uncovered for35 to 40 minutesor until the internal temperature on your meat thermometer reaches 175°F.
How long does it take to bake chicken breasts at 400?
A medium chicken breast (5 to 6 ounces each) will take about20 to 25 minutesbake in a 400 degree oven. I always bake chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit because the high temperature helps seal in the juices (and flavor).
You have more calories, but you get more nutrients with those calories. in general,You can replace breasts with thighs, just think of two things: (1) Breasts are done when cooked at a lower temperature than thighs.
Chicken thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts becauseThey are not the consumer's favorite cut of meat, cook more slowly and are considered dark meat. In fact, chicken thighs are usually left last because they have more bone and fat and aren't as easy to eat as the rest of the chicken.
More demand for a certain quantity of anything raises prices. Thigh meat is the lightest dark meat of a chicken and since most people prefer to buy white breast meat, there is less demand for the chicken's other meat and therefore prices fall to move the meat.