How Long Does it Take to Deep Fry Chicken Thighs at 350 Degrees?

Fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes of all time. It is hearty and comforting. Fried chicken is also relatively easy to prepare and can be ready within a few minutes. However, you must know how long to fry chicken at 350°F to ensure it is cooked through. 

Part 1. Dangers of Consuming Raw or Undercooked Chicken

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, chicken is often contaminated with various bacteria, including Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter. These bacteria are killed during the cooking process, so you won’t have to worry about them when you eat chicken.

The danger comes from consuming raw or undercooked chicken. If you do so, you could acquire foodborne illnesses and could suffer from food poisoning. It is not just by consuming the chicken that you could be at risk of food poisoning. It can also occur due to cross-contamination, such as when bacteria are spread to other food items or your kitchen utensils during food preparation. 

Hence, you must be extremely cautious when preparing chicken to avoid spreading bacteria in your kitchen. In the US alone, the CDC estimates that over 1 million people suffer from food poisoning due to eating contaminated poultry, which includes chicken. 

Part 2. How Long Do You Fry Chicken at 350°F?

There are two factors you must control when cooking fried chicken thighs: cooking time and temperature. The ideal cooking temperature for frying chicken thighs is 350°F. The time it takes to cook various chicken parts varies depending on the size of the cut. 

Use the following chart and the accurate thermometer to determine how long to fry chicken thighs and at what temperature.

Using this guideline, you can estimate how long it takes to cook chicken thighs and ensure they are safe to eat. 

How do You Tell if the Fried Chicken Thighs are Properly Cooked?

Frying is one of the best ways to cook chicken breasts. However, it is also possible to undercook the chicken using this method. 

Undercooking a chicken thigh is possible when the oil is too hot or the heat is too high. You can overcook the outside, but the inside of the meat might still be raw or slightly undercooked. 

The best way to ensure the fried chicken thighs are fully cooked is to use a digital thermometer. Insert the probe into the centre part of the chicken. The temperature reading should be 165 degrees F. At this internal temperature, the chicken is cooked and safe to eat. 

Make sure the oil is heated to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken thighs in small batches. If you crowd the pan, the oil temperature will drop, resulting in uneven cooking. Make sure to cook a few pieces at a time. 

You can tell if the fried chicken thigh is done by the colour of its exterior. When it is golden brown on the outside (about 20 minutes into cooking), it is ready. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Frying Chicken Thighs

Unlike other types of meat, chicken (and most poultry) must be completely cooked before you consume it. If not, you could be at risk of foodborne illness or food poisoning.

The following are common mistakes that you must avoid when frying chicken thighs:

1. Fry the chicken while it is still cold. Keeping your chicken chilled right after you buy them is important for safety reasons. However, give them time to thaw to room temperature before frying. Ideally, take them out of the freezer 30 minutes before cooking so they cook evenly.
2. The cut is too big. There are different types of chicken cuts suited for frying, such as drumsticks, wings, and thighs. Make sure the pieces are even in size before you fry them, so they cook evenly and at the same time. 
3. Using the wrong type of oil. Not all oils are suitable for deep-frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil. These oils are also economical, since you will use plenty of oil for frying. 
4. The heat is not the right level. Don’t bring your heat up too high, or the chicken’s exterior will brown while the inside remains raw. On the other hand, if your heat is too low, it will take longer to cook the chicken, and the skin won’t be crispy; it will be oily. 

Part 3. Tips for Checking Chicken Doneness Without Using a Thermometer

• Using a digital thermometer in the kitchen is a reliable way to check the internal temperature of meat. However, some people do not own a kitchen thermometer. 
• One tip is to test one piece of chicken. Cut the chicken in half and see if the juice is clear. If you see pink liquid, the chicken is still raw. This is a reliable way to test the doneness of the chicken if you cooked all the pieces at the same time. 
• Another test that you can do is to touch the meat. Feel the temperature of the meat on the outside and, if you can, on the inside (if you are able to cut it). 
• You can also consider how long the chicken has been cooking. Refer to the chart above for the recommended cooking time and temperature for chicken thighs. Make sure to thaw the chicken beforehand. If the chicken is still frozen inside at the time of cooking, it won’t cook fully within the suggested time frame above. The chart applies only to chicken pieces thawed to room temperature.