Cooking chicken thighs can seem intimidating for home cooks. With the right techniques and equipment, you can achieve delicious, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin just like celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. In this article, I’ll explain how to prepare and cook chicken thighs using Emeril’s methods so you can make this tasty meal at home.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs have a few advantages that make them a great choice over breasts
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More flavorful – Thighs contain more fat and collagen, making them juicier and more flavorful. The leg bones also impart savory flavors.
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For less money, chicken thighs are better than chicken breasts. This makes them a budget-friendly protein option.
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Forgiving to cook – With more fat and connective tissue, thighs are harder to overcook. They stay moist when cooked thoroughly.
Chicken thighs truly shine when cooked until crispy and caramelized. Their rich flavor pairs perfectly with crunchy, browned skin.
Emeril’s Tips for Preparing Chicken Thighs
Proper preparation is key to achieving optimal texture and taste. Here are Emeril Lagasse’s tips:
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Pick thighs with the skin still on. The bones and skin help the meat stay moist and add flavor.
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Trim excess fat/skin – Leave about 1⁄4 inch of skin/fat. Trim off any large fatty deposits.
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Pat dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. Drier skin browns and crisps up better.
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Season generously – Rub salt, pepper, and spice blends like paprika and garlic powder onto the skin.
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Let rest after cooking – Allowing the thighs to rest 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they stay moist when bitten
How to Cook Chicken Thighs Like Emeril
Emeril gives a few cooking tips for making chicken thighs that are too good to resist. Follow these steps to achieve stellar results.
Pan Sear
Pan searing is a quick and easy way to cook chicken thighs stovetop.
You’ll need:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Skillet
Steps:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once oil shimmers, place thighs skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them so the skin gets crispy and browns.
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Flip thighs and cook another 3-5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
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Transfer thighs to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The initial sear gives you crispy skin that renders fat and becomes caramelized. Finishing on the second side ensures even thorough cooking.
Roast
Roasting in the oven is another fantastic way to achieve crispy-skinned chicken thighs.
You’ll need:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Steps:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F.
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Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet.
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Roast 25-35 minutes, checking temperature, until chicken reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The dry oven heat will ensure nicely browned, crispy skin. Roasting takes a bit longer than stove-top but still yields delicious results.
Air Fry
For the crispiest skin, Emeril recommends air frying. This method doesn’t need much oil to make the skin dark brown and crispy.
You’ll need:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Air fryer
Steps:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Rub chicken thighs with oil or non-stick spray. Season well.
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Place thighs skin-side down in air fryer basket.
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Cook 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F.
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Let rest before serving.
The hot air circulates around the chicken, cooking it thoroughly while crisping up the skin.
Complementary Side Dishes
A good side dish balances out the richness of chicken thighs. Here are some of Emeril’s favorites:
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Sauteed vegetables like Brussels sprouts
- Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Fresh salad with vinaigrette
- Coleslaw with crunchy veggies
- Soft rolls or biscuits
Take Your Chicken Thighs to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try one of Emeril’s flavorful recipes:
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Cajun Chicken Thighs – Rub with Cajun seasoning blend before pan searing.
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Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Herb Sauce – Finish pan-seared thighs with a bright lemon-herb pan sauce.
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Jerk Chicken Thighs – Marinate thighs in a spicy jerk wet rub before cooking.
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Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy – Pan sear thighs, then make an easy mushroom gravy to drizzle over.
With the right prep, cook time, and temperature, you can enjoy juicy, crispy chicken thighs at home. Follow Emeril’s guidance for fantastic results worthy of your next dinner party. Just be prepared for requests for the recipe!
Emeril Lagasse’s Portuguese Chicken Thighs Recipe
FAQ
How to cook chicken thighs in Emeril Lagasse air fryer 360?
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the thighs for about 18-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the thighs to ensure even cooking and browning.
What is the best method of cooking chicken thighs?
If you’re looking for a quick, relatively easy path to crispy-skinned thighs with juicy meat, call in the skillet-only method. If you’re a stickler for even cooking, the sear and high-heat roast method is the way to go. For beautifully flavored meat and a light, crisp skin, try the dry brine and slow roast.
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
The Best Temperature For Cooking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. Whether they’re on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade, the best temperature for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven is between 400°F and 450°F, with 425°F being the temperature we rely on most often. Aug 28, 2024.
How to cook chicken thighs so it’s tender?
Chicken thighs only need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, but I recommend you bake them to 180-190 for extremely tender chicken thighs.
Does Emeril Lagasse air fry chicken thighs?
But if you want something tasty and crunchy, cooking chicken thighs in the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer is the way to go. This innovative kitchen appliance combines the convenience of air frying with the expertise of the renowned chef Emeril Lagasse.
How long do you cook chicken in an Emeril Lagasse air fryer?
The temperature and cooking time for chicken in an Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer vary depending on the cut and size of the chicken. As a general guideline, you can start by preheating the air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Cooking time can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired level of crispiness.
How to cook chicken thighs in air fryer?
Ensure that you don’t overcrowd the basket, as this may lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space between each chicken thigh to allow air to flow properly. This will help the chicken thighs cook evenly and crisply. Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer offers various cooking settings to cater to different recipes and preferences.
How does the Emeril Lagasse air fryer work?
Thanks to air-frying technology, the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer makes sure that your chicken thighs are cooked just right—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The hot air flow inside the air fryer makes the chicken thighs taste and feel like they were deep-fried, but with a lot less oil.
How do you cook braised chicken thighs?
For this braised chicken thighs recipe, the thighs are seasoned with a make-it-yourself Cajun seasoning before their skin is browned in a hot skillet. A mixture of oil and butter keeps the latter from burning while searing and infusing the chicken thighs with buttery flavor from the start.
How do you cook chicken thighs in a frying pan?
Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge the chicken in the flour and set aside. In a large wide saute pan with 2 to 3-inch sides, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the thighs and brown well on both sides, about 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.