Chicken thighs are a tasty and budget-friendly option for dinner. They’re packed with flavor and stay juicy when cooked. You can prepare them in many different ways to keep meals exciting.
These 30 chicken thigh recipes will give you plenty of ideas for delicious dinners. You’ll find options for roasting, grilling, and cooking in a pan or slow cooker. The recipes use various seasonings and sauces to create unique flavors. Try them out to add some variety to your weekly meal plan.
Pan-seared lemon chicken thighs are a tasty and easy meal. You’ll need chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like thyme or oregano.
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown.
Flip the chicken and add garlic and herbs to the pan. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
The result is juicy chicken with a crispy skin and tangy lemon flavor. Serve with your favorite sides for a quick and yummy dinner.
Crispy baked chicken thighs are a tasty and easy meal option. You’ll love the crunchy skin and juicy meat. To make them, use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and texture.
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add other spices like paprika or herbs if you want. Rub some olive oil on the skin to help it get crispy.
Bake the thighs in a hot oven, around 450°F (230°C). Cook them for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
This simple method gives you crispy, flavorful chicken thighs every time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Garlic butter chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dish. You start by seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Melt butter and mix in minced garlic to create a flavorful sauce. Pour this over the chicken before baking.
Cook the thighs in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside.
For extra flavor, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken when serving. This dish pairs well with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Teriyaki glazed chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. You can make them in the oven or on the stovetop.
For oven-baked teriyaki thighs, preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the thighs in a baking dish and pour teriyaki sauce over them.
Bake for about 20 minutes, then flip and cook until done. The glaze will thicken and coat the chicken as it cooks.
For stovetop teriyaki thighs, marinate the chicken first. Cook in a covered skillet, flipping once. The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze.
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs and cooking them in a skillet until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in some cream and let it simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it cook in the creamy mushroom sauce for a few minutes. The result is a flavorful, comforting meal you can make in about 30 minutes.
Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a tasty summer favorite. Start by marinating the thighs in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side.
Brush the thighs with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. This adds flavor and creates a delicious glaze.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled BBQ chicken thighs!
To start, season your chicken thighs with a mix of spices. Try salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a flavorful blend.
Place the seasoned thighs in your slow cooker. Add some liquid like broth or wine to keep them moist. Cook on low for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is tender.
For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like onions or carrots. These will cook alongside the chicken, creating a complete meal.
After cooking, you can make a quick gravy from the remaining liquid. This adds a delicious finishing touch to your dish.
To make this dish, marinate the thighs in a mix of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the chicken in a skillet or on the grill. Sear both sides until they’re golden brown. Then, lower the heat and cook until the meat is done.
For extra flavor, brush on more gochujang sauce while cooking. Serve your spicy Korean chicken thighs with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Sweet and sour chicken thighs are a tasty twist on the classic dish. You’ll love the blend of tangy and sweet flavors coating tender, juicy chicken.
To make this dish, marinate bone-in chicken thighs in a sauce made from ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Then bake the chicken until it’s golden and sticky.
For extra flavor, add some hearty veggies like bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the baking dish. The vegetables will soak up the delicious sauce as they cook.
This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will ask for it again and again. Serve it over rice to soak up all the yummy sauce.
Parmesan crusted chicken thighs offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the crispy exterior and juicy meat inside.
Start by coating the thighs in a mix of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. This creates a flavorful crust that crisps up nicely in the oven.
Before baking, brush the chicken with a thin layer of mayonnaise. This helps the coating stick and adds extra richness.
Bake the thighs at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes. The exact time depends on their size. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve your Parmesan crusted chicken thighs hot from the oven. They pair well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Pat the chicken dry and coat it with olive oil and herbs. Add some minced garlic and lemon zest for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast the thighs in a 375°F oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For crispy skin, place the thighs on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This lets hot air circulate all around the chicken as it cooks.
Serve your herb-roasted chicken thighs with roasted potatoes and vegetables for a complete meal. The leftovers taste great cold or reheated the next day.
Buffalo chicken thighs bring the zesty flavor of buffalo wings to a heartier cut of meat. You can make this dish in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. For extra flavor, add paprika and dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
Coat the thighs in buffalo sauce before cooking. Place them in a hot skillet or on a baking sheet. Cook at 400-450°F for about 35-40 minutes in the oven, or 18-20 minutes in an air fryer.
After cooking, toss the chicken in more buffalo sauce for an extra kick. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
Maple Dijon chicken thighs offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish combines maple syrup and Dijon mustard to create a mouthwatering sauce.
To make this recipe, you’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and soy sauce in a bowl. Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them.
Bake for about 40 minutes, basting the chicken a few times during cooking. The dish is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Spice up your dinner with Szechuan chicken thighs. This dish brings a fiery kick to your plate, thanks to Szechuan peppers and dried red chilies.
Start by marinating boneless, skin-on chicken thighs in a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. This step infuses the meat with flavor.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the thighs until the skin turns crispy. Add the Szechuan peppers, dried chilies, and other seasonings to create a bold, tangy sauce.
The result is a lip-tingling meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Serve your Szechuan chicken thighs with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner.
Spice up your dinner with these zesty chipotle lime chicken thighs. The tangy lime juice pairs perfectly with smoky chipotle peppers for a flavorful kick.
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a blend of lime juice, olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the marinated thighs in a hot skillet or on the grill until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The high heat will create a delicious caramelized exterior.
Serve these tasty thighs with rice and vegetables for a complete meal. The leftovers also make great taco fillings or salad toppers.
Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs are a tasty twist on a classic dish. To make them, season boneless chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll up each thigh and wrap it tightly with bacon slices. Place the wrapped thighs in a preheated skillet to crisp up the bacon on all sides.
Transfer the thighs to a baking pan and cook in a 400°F oven for about 30-35 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
This recipe combines juicy chicken with crispy bacon for a mouthwatering meal. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or add herbs for extra flavor.
Sesame ginger chicken thighs bring Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. You’ll love the mix of sweet and savory tastes in this dish.
To make it, coat chicken thighs with a blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Add some honey for sweetness and a dash of rice vinegar for tang.
You can bake the chicken in the oven or cook it in a skillet. Either way, the result is juicy thighs with a flavorful glaze.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. Serve with rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Garlic lime chicken thighs offer a zesty twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the bright, tangy flavors in this easy recipe.
Start by mixing lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin. Coat the chicken thighs in this flavorful marinade for at least 2 hours.
When ready to cook, sear the thighs in a hot skillet until golden brown. Add more garlic and lime juice to the pan for extra flavor.
Finish cooking the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. The result is juicy, tender thighs with a perfect balance of garlic and citrus.
You’ll love this flavorful dish. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Mix minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and olive oil in a bowl. Rub this mixture over the chicken thighs.
Place the seasoned thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. Bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
For extra flavor, you can add lemon juice to the seasoning mix. The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and a delicious herb-garlic aroma.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs offer great taste and nutrition. They’re easy to cook and can be used in many recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken thighs pack a protein punch. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein. This helps build muscle and keeps you full.
Thighs also have more iron than chicken breasts. Iron is key for healthy blood cells.
They contain B vitamins like niacin and B6. These help your body turn food into energy.
Chicken thighs have some fat, but it’s mostly the good kind. This includes monounsaturated fat, which is heart-healthy.
Flavor and Versatility
Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. The dark meat stays moist even if you overcook it a bit.
You can cook thighs in many ways. Grill, bake, fry, or slow cook them.
They work well with different spices and sauces. Try them in tacos, stir-fries, or curries.
Thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts. This makes them great for big meals or meal prep.
You can buy them bone-in or boneless. Skin-on thighs give extra flavor, while skinless are lower in fat.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs can be cooked in many ways. Each method brings out different flavors and textures. Here are three popular techniques to try.
Baking
Baking chicken thighs is easy and hands-off. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Place them on a baking sheet skin-side up.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. For extra crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Baking works well for bone-in or boneless thighs. You can add veggies to the pan for a complete meal. Potatoes, carrots, and onions are tasty choices.
Grilling
Grilling gives chicken thighs a smoky flavor and crispy exterior. Start by marinating the thighs for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Use a mix of oil, acid (like lemon juice), and spices.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the thighs for 6-8 minutes per side. Brush with sauce in the last few minutes if desired.
Keep the grill lid closed between flips. This helps cook the thighs evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The inside should reach 165°F.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking makes chicken thighs tender and flavorful. Add the thighs to your slow cooker with broth, veggies, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
This method is great for busy days. You can prep in the morning and come home to a ready meal. Slow cooking works best with bone-in thighs.
Try different flavor combinations. BBQ sauce, salsa, or teriyaki sauce all work well. Shred the cooked thighs for tacos or sandwiches. Or serve them whole over rice or noodles.
