Sarah Beling is a writer and performer based in New York City. She loves breakfast sandwiches, late dinners, and splitting an app.
published May 4, 2023
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Chicken thighs are perhaps the undisputed hero ingredient for weeknight dinners. They’re flavorful, versatile, and, most importantly, budget-friendly!
But you’re likely missing out on the hard-working protein’s full potential. Read on to learn some simple but effective tips and tricks for making consistently tasty chicken thighs, including the one step you shouldn’t be skipping.
Tips for Better Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs. I almost always recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They not only deliver the most flavor, but they’re also typically much cheaper than boneless, skinless chicken thighs. While it might take a little extra work, you can always remove the bone yourself later.
- Don’t forget to season under the skin. First loosen the chicken skin — this can be done by carefully sliding a paring knife underneath the skin, or by hand — and then thoroughly incorporate both your seasoning and a layer of fat under the skin. Next coat the chicken generously with salt, pepper, spices, or a dry rub. This extra little step maximizes flavor and allows the skin’s fat to better render and provides a crispier texture in cooking.
Our Favorite Chicken Thigh Recipes
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