How to cut chicken thighs | cutting perfect slice

Learn the best way to cut chicken thighs quickly and easily. This step-by-step guide gives all the tips for perfectly portioned, juicy, tender pieces of chicken every time!

Introduction

Chicken thigh meat is among the most succulent and flavorful part of the chicken. To achieve the most scrumptious chicken dishes, it’s crucial to know how to properly cut. However, it can be quite tricky to separate and trim chicken thighs manually if you don’t know the right technique. Dealing with whole chicken thighs can be intimidating to some, but fear not, as we have prepared a comprehensive guide for you to master the art of cutting chicken.

In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some easy tips and tricks on How to cut chicken thighs like a pro.

How to cut chicken thighs 

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cutting thigh, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. This will save you time and avoid any potential cross-contamination.

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for clean and precise cuts.
• Cut: Use a sturdy and stable cutting board to ensure safety while cutting.
• Kitchen towel/paper towels: To dry the chicken thighs before cutting.
• Plate or container: To hold the cut chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Before you start to cut, make sure to properly clean and trim the thigh. This includes removing any excess fat, skin, or bone that you don’t want in your final dish. You can also remove any visible tendons or silver skin for a more tender texture.

Step 3: Determine the Cut

There are three main cuts you can make when cut chicken thighs: bone-in, boneless, and deboned. The type of cut will depend on the recipe you’re making and personal preference.

• Bone-in: This is where the chicken thigh is cut with the bone intact. This is great for dishes such as braised chicken thighs or roasted chicken.
• Boneless: As the name suggests, this cut removes the bone from the chicken thigh. This is ideal for recipes that require diced or sliced chicken.
• Deboned: This cut removes both the bone and the skin from the chicken. It’s perfect for recipes where you don’t want any bones or skin, such as stir-fries or pasta dishes.

Step 4: Cutting Techniques

Depending on the type of cut you’re making, there are different techniques you can use to cut chicken thighs.

• For bone-in cuts: Place the chicken thigh skin-side down and make a straight cut along the bone using a sharp knife. Repeat on the other side of the bone to remove it.
• For boneless cuts: Place the chicken thigh skin-side down and make a horizontal cut along the natural seam in the meat. This will separate the two halves of the chicken thigh. You can then slice or dice as needed.
• For deboned cuts: Place the chicken thigh skin-side down and make a diagonal cut in one corner, following the natural curve of the bone. Continue to make diagonal cuts until you’ve removed all the meat from the bone. You can then slice or dice as desired.

Step 5: Store and Clean Up

Once you’re finished cutting thigh, store any unused chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to clean your work surface, knife, and hands properly to avoid any cross-contamination. Then, you’re ready to cook your perfectly cut in your favorite recipes!

Tips for cutting | cut chicken

• Make sure to use a sharp knife as this will make cutting through tough chicken easier and safer. Dull knives can slip and cause injury.
• Keep the chicken cold while cutting to prevent any bacteria from growing. You can place it in the refrigerator or run cold water over it periodically.
• If you are not comfortable using a knife, kitchen shears can be used to cut through the meat as well.
• When trimming fat or skin, make sure to leave some on as it adds flavor and moisture to the dish.

Cooking Chicken Thighs | bone

Bake chicken thighs in the oven if you want a simple meal.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Place chicken thighs on a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and desired herbs or spices.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Grill chicken thighs for a smoky flavor.

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

• Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and desired marinade or rub.

• Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Pan-fry chicken thighs for a crispy crust.

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Dredge chicken thighs in flour, then dip in beaten eggs and coat with breadcrumbs.

• Pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Sauté chicken thighs for a quick and easy meal.

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sauté seasoned chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

What knife is used to cut chicken thigh ?

Boning knives are highly-effective culinary instruments specifically designed for effortlessly separating meat, including the toughest cut, from bones. They also come in handy for trimming excess fat and exposing the bone, resulting in mouthwatering appetizers such as crispy-skinned garlic chicken, as well as a myriad of other chicken thigh-based recipes.

Slicing recipes for boneless chicken 

Now that we have explored different cooking methods for chicken thighs, let’s dive into some tasty recipes that you can try at home

• Baked Garlic and Herb Chicken Thighs – This simple yet delicious recipe involves marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil before baking them in the oven. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken that are perfect for any occasion.
• Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs – These chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce before being grilled to perfection. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Lemon Butter Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs – This recipe involves pan-frying chicken until crispy and golden brown, then adding a buttery lemon sauce for extra **flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs – This easy and flavorful recipe involves slow-cooking chicken thighs in your favorite BBQ sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and tasty meal.
• Sous Vide Chicken Thighs with Herbs – For a foolproof and delicious chicken recipe, try cooking them sous vide style with your choice of herbs. The result is perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken thighs that are sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

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FAQs for cooking chicken

Can I use a different type of knife to cut chicken thighs ?

It is recommended to use a sharp chef’s knife for cutting chicken . However, you can also use a boning knife or kitchen shears if you have them available.

Do you cut chicken thighs with or against the grain ?

How to cut chicken thighs for competition ?

How to cut chicken thighs into strips ?

You can easily cut chicken thighs into strips for a variety of dishes such as stir-fries or tacos. To do so, first trim off any excess fat or skin from the thigh. Then, hold the thigh steady with one hand and use a sharp knife to cut across the grain into thin strips. Make sure to use a smooth cutting motion to get even strips.

How to cut chicken thighs for curry?

To cut chicken thighs for curry, start by trimming off any excess fat or skin. Then, depending on the size you prefer, you can either leave the chicken whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that the smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. Make sure to also remove any bones before adding the chicken to your curry dish.

How to cut chicken thighs for grilling ?

The best way to cut chicken thighs for grilling is to leave them whole and intact. This will help keep the meat tender and juicy while cooking on the grill. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can also cut the chicken into cubes or strips before marinating and grilling. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly for smaller pieces of meat. And don’t forget to let the chicken rest after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

How to cut chicken thighs for soup?

To cut chicken thighs for soup, first remove any excess fat or skin from the thigh. Then, depending on your preference, you can either leave them as whole pieces or cut them into bite-sized chunks. Keep in mind that the smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. Adding diced or shredded chicken thighs to soup can also add a great depth of flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes and textures.

How to cut chicken thighs for stir-fry?

Cutting chicken thighs for stir-fry is best done into bite-sized pieces. This will allow for even cooking and easy incorporation into the other ingredients in your dish. Start by trimming off any excess fat or skin from the thigh, then cut it against the grain into thin strips. You can also choose to leave the chicken in larger chunks if desired, just make sure they are all of similar size to ensure even cooking.

How to cut chicken thighs for skewers ?

Cutting chicken thighs into smaller pieces is ideal for making skewers, as it allows for even cooking and easy serving. Start by trimming off any excess fat or skin from the thigh, then cut it into cubes of similar size. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. And don’t forget to marinate the chicken before grilling for extra flavor!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to cut chicken thighs properly, you can make delicious meals that showcase this versatile protein. Whether you are making fried chicken, roasted chicken, or chicken stir-fry, cutting chicken thighs correctly will help to ensure they cook evenly and retain their delicious flavor. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily master the art of cutting chicken thighs and take your home-cooked meals to the next level.

Happy cooking!