45 mins•4 servings•Easy
One-Pot Garlic Chicken & Yellow Rice
Juicy seared chicken simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, and golden seasoned rice in a single pot. Minimal cleanup, pure comfort.
8 ingredientsView Recipe →
Meat & Poultry Guide
How to Cook With, Store, and Substitute Chicken Breasts & Thighs
Chicken is the most popular weeknight dinner staple across the globe. Bone-in thighs provide rich, forgiving moisture while boneless breasts cook in under 12 minutes for salads, stir-fries, and pasta dinners.
Illustrative photo from Unsplash. Guide updated . Storage times are typical estimates; follow package dates and discard food that looks, smells or feels spoiled.
How to Store Chicken Breasts & Thighs for Maximum Freshness
1 to 2 days
Bottom Shelf of Refrigerator
Keep in its original packaging placed on a rimmed plate or tray on the coldest bottom shelf to prevent any drip contamination.
Up to 9 months
Freezer Packaging
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or parchment before placing in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag. Press out all excess air to prevent freezer burn.
24 hours in fridge
Safe Thawing
Always thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. In an emergency, submerge sealed chicken in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Best Ways to Use Chicken Breasts & Thighs
- Golden pan-seared chicken cutlets finished with lemon, garlic, and butter
- One-pot chicken and seasoned jasmine rice pilaf
- Quick skillet chicken fajitas with sliced onions and bell peppers
- Shredded chicken soup with celery, carrots, and egg noodles
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
!
Washing raw chicken in the sink (splatters dangerous bacteria up to 3 feet around your kitchen)
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Crowding the skillet (causes chicken to steam in its own moisture instead of browning)
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Not using a digital thermometer to pull chicken right at 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
Substitutions
| Substitute | Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Tenderloin or Pork Chops | 1:1 by weight | Pan-searing and stir-fries |
| Extra Firm Tofu | 1:1 pressed | Stir-fries, curries, and sheet pan meals |
| Canned Chickpeas | 1 can for 1 lb chicken | Curries, salads, and soups |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. Thighs often taste juicier when cooked to 175°F (79°C) as the connective tissue breaks down.
Should I choose chicken breasts or chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts are lean and best for quick-cooking applications like pan-searing and stir-fries. Chicken thighs contain more fat and collagen, making them much more forgiving and ideal for braises, one-pot rices, and roasting.
Recipes Using Chicken Breasts & Thighs
22 mins•3 servings•Easy
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Juicy, golden seared chicken chunks coated in a luscious pan-sauce of bubbling butter, fresh garlic, and cracked pepper.
7 ingredientsView Recipe →
20 mins•4 servings•Easy
20-Minute Weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting, golden broth loaded with tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, celery, and sweet carrots.
8 ingredientsView Recipe →
30 mins•4 servings•Easy
Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Golden pan-seared chicken thighs with a quick pan sauce of fresh lemon juice, smashed garlic, and dried oregano or rosemary.
7 ingredientsView Recipe →