Both chicken thighs and drumsticks are flavorful cuts of chicken that are popular choices for weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues. However, they do require different cooking times. Here’s a quick overview of how long each takes to cook.
The Short Answer
Chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken drumsticks. On average, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs need about 25-35 minutes in the oven at 375°F or 15-20 minutes grilled over medium heat. Chicken drumsticks usually take 15-25 minutes baked or 10-15 minutes grilled.
Why Chicken Thighs Take Longer to Cook
There are a few reasons why chicken thighs require more time in the oven or on the grill than drumsticks:
- Chicken thighs are thicker and have more muscle mass than drumsticks. The thicker the cut of meat, the longer it takes for heat to penetrate into the center and fully cook.
- Chicken thighs are fattier than drumsticks. The fat helps keep thighs juicy and flavorful when cooked, but it also serves as an insulator that slows down cooking.
- The bone in a chicken thigh is shorter and embedded in more muscle than the leg bone of a drumstick. Bones conduct heat and help meat cook from the inside out. The smaller thigh bone doesn’t transmit as much heat.
Cooking Methods and Times
Exact cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as your preferred doneness. Here are some general guidelines for common cooking methods:
Baked Chicken
| Cut | Cooking Time at 375°F |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) | 25-35 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 15-25 minutes |
Tips for baked chicken:
- For crispier skin, bake at a higher temp like 400-425°F.
- Brining helps keep both cuts juicy when baking.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Grilled Chicken
| Cut | Cooking Time Over Medium Heat |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) | 15-20 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 10-15 minutes |
Tips for grilled chicken:
- Use indirect heat if drumsticks are finishing sooner than thighs.
- Baste with sauce the last 5-10 minutes if desired.
- Let rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooked Chicken
| Cut | Cooking Time on Low |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 4-6 hours |
| Chicken drumsticks | 3-5 hours |
Tips for slow cooked chicken:
- No need to add liquid when slow cooking.
- Drumsticks may fall off the bone when fully cooked.
- Shred or chop chicken once cooked through.
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
Here are some ways to test doneness for both chicken thighs and drumsticks:
- Use a meat thermometer – thighs are done at 165°F and drumsticks at 170°F.
- Cut into thickest section – meat should no longer be pink.
- Juices run clear – prick with fork and check if clear.
- Skin is crispy and browned (if applicable).
- Meat pulls away from the bone easily.
Conclusion
Chicken thighs simply require a longer cooking time than drumsticks due to their thicker, fattier makeup. For baked, grilled, or slow cooked chicken, expect thighs to need about 10 extra minutes compared to drumsticks. Use a thermometer and visual checks like crispy skin or clear juices to determine when both cuts are fully cooked through and safe to eat. With the right technique, you can achieve perfectly done drumsticks and juicy, flavorful thighs.