How Long To Fry Chicken Thighs At 350: Your Comprehensive Guide

If you're a fan of fried chicken, then you know that chicken thighs are the juiciest and most flavorful part of the chicken. But cooking them perfectly can be tricky, especially if you're not sure how long to fry them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of frying chicken thighs to perfection.

The Basics of Frying Chicken Thighs

Before we jump into the details, let's go over some basics of frying chicken thighs. First, make sure your chicken is at room temperature before you frying. This will help it cook more evenly. Second, season your chicken with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. Third, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for frying. Finally, make sure the oil is hot enough before you frying.

How Long to Fry Chicken Thighs at 350 Degrees

The ideal cooking time for chicken thighs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is around 25-30 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, the type of pan used for frying, and the amount of oil used. It's important to note that undercooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors can affect the cooking time of chicken thighs. Here are some of the most important ones:

Size of Chicken Thighs

The size of your chicken thighs will impact the cooking time. Larger chicken thighs will take longer to cook than smaller ones.

Type of Pan

The type of pan you use for frying can also impact the cooking time. A cast-iron skillet will retain heat better than a stainless steel skillet, so the chicken may cook faster in a cast-iron skillet.

Amount of Oil

The amount of oil you use can also affect the cooking time. If you use too much oil, it will take longer for the chicken to cook. However, if you use too little oil, the chicken may stick to the pan and cook unevenly.

Temperature of Oil

The temperature of the oil is crucial for frying chicken thighs. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and remain undercooked on the inside.

Resting Time

Resting time is important to redistribute the juices in the chicken thighs. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

The Perfect Fried Chicken Thigh Recipe

Now that we've covered the basics of frying chicken thighs, let's move on to the perfect recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour the buttermilk into another bowl.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides well.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Add the chicken thighs to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken thighs for frying?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for frying. However, bone-in chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy.

Q2: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

You can check the temperature of the oil with a thermometer, or you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, then the oil is hot enough.

Q3: Can I use a deep fryer for frying chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use a deep fryer for frying chicken thighs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for heating the oil and cooking the chicken.

Q4: Can I fry chicken thighs without flour?

Yes, you can fry chicken thighs without flour. However, the flour coating helps to create a crispy crust.

Q5: Can I season the chicken thighs with other spices besides salt and pepper?

Yes, you can season the chicken thighs with any spice blend that you like.

Q6: What is the best oil for frying chicken thighs?

The best oil for frying chicken thighs is one with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or canola oil.

Q7: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Make sure that the oil is hot enough before you add the chicken, and don't overcrowd the pan. You can also use a non-stick skillet or coat the chicken with a thin layer of cornstarch before frying.

Q8: Can I fry chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry chicken thighs in an air fryer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking time and temperature.

Q9: How long can I keep leftover fried chicken thighs in the fridge?

You can keep leftover fried chicken thighs in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Q10: Can I freeze leftover fried chicken thighs?

Yes, you can freeze leftover fried chicken thighs. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Frying chicken thighs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit requires some practice, but it's worth the effort. By following the tips and recipe we've shared in this post, you'll be able to cook juicy and crispy chicken thighs that will impress your family and friends. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the right temperature, and experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favorite flavor combination.