Chicken thighs cooking times
How long to cook chicken thighs: 35–45 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 22–25 min in an air fryer at 190°C, 5–6 min per side pan-fried and 6–8 min per side under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook chicken thighs
Times are for about 8 thighs, for 4.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven Bone-in | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Skin side up, rubbed with oil and salt. |
| Oven Boneless | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | – |
| Air fryer Bone-in | 22–25 min | 190°C (375°F) | Skin side down first, then up for the last 10 minutes. |
| Air fryer Boneless | 15–18 min | 190°C (375°F) | Turn halfway. |
| Pan-fry Boneless | 5–6 min per side | over a medium-high heat | Boneless thighs, opened out flat. |
| Grill Boneless | 6–8 min per side | under a medium-hot grill | Boneless, opened out flat. |
| Barbecue Bone-in | 30–40 min | over indirect heat, lid down | Bone-in; finish over direct heat to crisp the skin. Boneless take 5–7 minutes per side over direct heat. |
| Slow cooker | 4–6 hours | on low | Bone-in or boneless, in a sauce. 3–4 hours on high. |
| Pressure cooker | 10–12 min | on high pressure | Boneless, with 250 ml liquid; natural release. Bone-in take 15 minutes. |
Also see: Chicken cooking time (whole chicken and chicken pieces).
Before you start
Pat the skin dry for crispness. Boneless thighs cook almost twice as fast.
How to tell it’s done
Juices run clear and the meat pulls away from the bone. Thighs are best taken a little higher, to 80°C, when they’re most tender.
Food safety: Cook until it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part, with no pink meat and clear juices.
Questions
How long to cook chicken thighs in the oven?
Bone-in: 35–45 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Skin side up, rubbed with oil and salt. Boneless: 20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6.
How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Bone-in: 22–25 min at 190°C (375°F). Skin side down first, then up for the last 10 minutes. Boneless: 15–18 min at 190°C (375°F). Turn halfway.
How long to pan-fry chicken thighs?
Boneless: 5–6 min per side over a medium-high heat. Boneless thighs, opened out flat.
How long to grill chicken thighs?
Boneless: 6–8 min per side under a medium-hot grill. Boneless, opened out flat.
How long to barbecue chicken thighs?
Bone-in: 30–40 min over indirect heat, lid down. Bone-in; finish over direct heat to crisp the skin. Boneless take 5–7 minutes per side over direct heat.
How long to cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker?
4–6 hours on low. Bone-in or boneless, in a sauce. 3–4 hours on high.
How long to cook chicken thighs in a pressure cooker?
10–12 min on high pressure. Boneless, with 250 ml liquid; natural release. Bone-in take 15 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.