Figure out your favorite way to cook chicken thighs with this handy guide.

Key Takeaways

Learning how to cook chicken thighs correctly can make your life so much easier.

They’re flavorful, succulent, and aren’t prone to drying out likechicken breastsfrequently do.

Chicken thighs stewed in cream sauce with mushrooms and spinach.

Photo: Lilechka75/Getty Images

We break down the types of chicken thighs and how to cook them to perfection.

Choose your own adventure below, and rest assured, each method of cooking chicken thighs yields flavorful results.

Chicken thighs can typically be found bone-in and skin-on, boneless and skinless, or bone-in and skinless.

They will require additional cooking time since the bone absorbs heat, taking away from the meat.

The bone also means they take longer to cook than their boneless friend.

Poach thighs in a broth with aromatics or fragrantcoconut milkand spices.

How to Grill Chicken Thighs

Hello,summer grilling.

Chicken thighs are a perfect go-to for a hot grill (or grill pan!).

Try arub or marinade, or simply season with salt and pepper.

How to Fry Chicken Thighs

Is there anything more delicious than fried chicken?

Chicken thighs' dark meat makes for mouthwatering fried chicken.

Keep in mind that bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs.

However, this method works well for all three types of chicken thighs you’re free to purchase.

(And even then, you should double-check the final temperature.)

Here’s all you better do to maximize the thigh’s juicy flavor while minimizing effort.

Just be careful when cutting into the thighs, as leaving the bones can make carving a bit trickier.

Leaving the skin and fat on and using a marinade also helps lock in the moisture for boneless options.

As a general rule, but especially when baking, don’t cover chicken thighs while they’re cooking.

Leaving them uncovered allows the skin to get crispy while keeping the meat juicy.

Food Safety and Inspection Service.Chicken from Farm to Table.