Can I make chicken and schmaltzy cabbage with boneless skinless chicken thighs?

Unfortunately, no. While still so flavorful, you're going to need the skin, fat, and bones of the bird to get that prized schmaltz.

What temperature do bone-in chicken thighs need to cook to be safe?

Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Bone-in dark meat cuts will be safe at that temp but actually have better texture, color, and flavor when you take it a little higher, like 170°-180°F. *Keep in mind that the temperature rises 5-7 degrees after you take it out of the oven, which is why I recommend pulling boneless chicken breasts at 160°F.

Where do you stick a thermometer in bone-in chicken thighs?

You never want to touch the bone with the thermometer as it will give you an incorrect temperature for the meat. For bone-in chicken thighs, insert the temperature probe through the thickest part alongside the bone. I like to find a point alongside the bone to avoid sticking it in towards the bone.

Chicken Thighs on Schmaltzy Cabbage

Name: Chicken Thighs on Schmaltzy Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-8 chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on; 2+ pound whole green cabbage; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 2-5 teaspoons salt; 1-2 teaspoons black pepper

Description

Try this quick & easy supper of succulent Chicken Thighs on Schmaltzy Cabbage. Experience the melting moments in every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4-8 chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on
2+ pound whole green cabbage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2-5 teaspoons salt
1-2 teaspoons black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease the baking dish with oil.
Slice the cabbage into 1 1/2" thick slices. Fit the cabbage into the baking dish in one layer, cutting it up to fit all the spaces. Sprinkle with a teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Trim excess skin off the chicken thighs. Season the thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt per pound, rubbing it all over, including under the skin. You can also season it with a few pinches of black pepper. Set the thighs, skin side up, on top of the cabbage, leaving some space in between. Put 1-2 pats of butter under the skin of each thigh.
Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, then check the temperature of the thighs. You can cook them up to 170-185°F without overcooking, and it is sometimes necessary for bone-in dark meat cuts.
When the chicken has cooked thoroughly, remove the dish from the oven and turn it to broil. Set the chicken thighs aside and carefully flip the cabbage. Return the pan to the oven and broil the cabbage until it has browned a little at the edges.
Serve the chicken and schmaltzy cabbage together with a side of potatoes or some crusty bread to soak up the extra schmaltz!

Notes

Nutritional note: Nutrition is based on a 2 pound cabbage with 6 chicken thighs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main dish
Method: Roast
Cuisine: American