Chicken Thigh Dishes - 51 Best Recipes
Votes: 125
Chicken thighs are juicy, inexpensive, and versatile, plus they're packed with protein. Try them baked, braised, glazed, or simply fried with this collection of recipes.
The Best Chicken Thigh Recipes
We love chicken thighs because they're practically impossible to mess up. Whether you grill them, bake them, or use an air fryer, they always come out juicy, even after a long braising process. And what a crispy crust they have when fried! Plus, they pair beautifully with any seasoning or marinade. That's why many people choose thighs when they need something special. It's easy and quick to prepare a delicious dinner. They're also cheaper than chicken breasts. So, which thighs should you choose for dinner? You can, of course, use boneless, skinless fillets—a good option when you need to cook something quickly. But we prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, as the bones add a wealth of flavor, and the skin creates a delicious crust. Take this recipe, for example. A dry brine and slow roasting in the oven are the key to perfectly juicy meat, and a quick grilling at the very end ensures the desired crust.
Recipe: Tender chicken in the oven
Chicken thighs with salsa verde and kale salad
An air fryer practically guarantees your chicken will have a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Lightly seasoned with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper, these chicken thighs pair beautifully with an Italian-style salsa verde and a vibrant kale salad (which can be made ahead). The finishing touch is super-crispy panko breadcrumbs, toasted in the air fryer.
Chicken thighs in white wine sauce in a frying pan
Cooking in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop and then in the oven is the secret to juicy chicken thighs with incredibly crispy skin. If you don't have time to make a sauce, the chicken will be delicious without it (just serve the thighs straight from the oven). But for a restaurant-quality finish, try making a sauce made with butter and white wine, known in French cuisine as beurre blanc.
Fried chicken thighs with apples
Crispy-seared chicken thighs are braised with tender leeks and apples in natural non-alcoholic apple cider, resulting in a juicy, fruity, and spicy flavor of early autumn. A perfect idea for a big Sunday dinner with the family.
Recipe: Fried chicken thighs with apples
Crispy Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
Juicy, tender dark chicken meat covered in a crispy crust in under twenty minutes—what could be better?! Chicken thighs are coated in seasoned flour and air-fried with minimal oil, but they turn out crispy as if they were deep-fried. Serve them as is, or top them with your favorite sauce (BBQ, Buffalo) while still hot for an extra-savory flavor.
Chicken Marbella in a slow cooker
This classic holiday dish is made from start to finish in a slow cooker. Salty capers and olives, along with sweet dried apricots and a pinch of brown sugar, create a perfect blend of flavors, all in a reduced white wine. This recipe uses skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, which are incredibly juicy and tender—nothing beats dark meat chicken! Serve Chicken Marbella with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Tandoori chicken in the oven
Using Aarti's brilliant recipe, you can make perfectly roasted chicken without a tandoor. The secret? Your oven, set to grill mode.
Recipe: Tandoori chicken in the oven
Grilled chicken thighs with blackberry barbecue sauce
Blackberry barbecue sauce, constantly brushed over the chicken thighs during cooking, imparts a wonderful flavor to the poultry. The sauce can be made in advance. In addition to fresh blackberries, it includes dark beer, balsamic and wine vinegars, brown sugar, coffee, and spices. Once cooked, it creates a stunning bouquet of flavors that perfectly complements the aroma of the spices applied to the chicken before grilling. To achieve a crispy crust, the chicken is first grilled directly over the coals and then finished cooking away from the coals over indirect heat.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, along with the natural juices from the chicken thighs, combine in a slow cooker to create a deliciously sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce that's drizzled over the chicken and white rice. Prefer a thicker sauce? Simply stir in cornstarch at the very end and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Serve garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
One-Sheet Chicken and Cauliflower with Cheese (Ket Diet)
Cook a complete dinner on one baking sheet, and cleanup and washing up will be a breeze. Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe; they're more flavorful and juicy. And for a side dish, try keto-friendly cauliflower. It's baked in quarters and filled with cheese, sour cream, and bits of fried bacon—all in the best traditions of a classic baked potato, without compromising your diet.
Festive Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a delicious Indian rice dish similar to a layered pilaf. This recipe is very close to the traditional one, with the only difference being that it's cooked in the oven rather than on the stovetop, ensuring even heating and preventing burning. To prepare it, you'll need a large casserole dish with a lid. Layers of spiced tomatoes, chicken pieces marinated in spiced yogurt with turmeric, deep-fried onions, and spiced basmati rice, cooked until half-cooked, are placed in it. Everything is drizzled with saffron milk and baked in the oven to meld all the wonderful flavors.
Recipe: Festive Chicken Biryani
Chicken thighs with onion sauce in a frying pan
Chicken thighs are fried until golden brown and crispy, then the juices left in the pan along with fried onions are used to make a delicious sauce for the chicken. Pour in dry white wine, add grainy and Dijon mustard, and light crème fraîche gives the mustard a pleasant creaminess. Once the sauce is heated through, serve with the chicken, sprinkled with fresh parsley.
Chicken and Broccoli Curry
Make this simple, quick dish for a cozy evening at home. And don't be afraid to make a big batch—it makes great leftovers the next day!
Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Curry
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
A delicious alternative to traditional beef stroganoff. Instead of beef, we use juicy, skinless chicken thighs. They're perfect for everyday use, and the mushrooms add even more flavor and wonderful aroma. Throw all the sauce ingredients, except the cream cheese, into the slow cooker along with the chicken and mushrooms, and go about your day. A few hours later, the chicken will be tender and the sauce flavorful. All you have to do is stir in the cream cheese and cook some noodles for a side dish.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Chicken thighs in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce infuses the chicken with rich flavor and makes it look delicious. It, in turn, draws sweetness from the honey and apricot jam—the perfect combination for a tangy, spicy base. Brush the sauce over the chicken when it's almost done, and serve the remaining barbecue sauce for dipping.
We recommend
Oven-baked chicken thighs with dill couscous
Couscous is the perfect healthy side dish for quick meals. It cooks quickly, steaming in hot water for just 5 minutes, and easily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients. So, stir some chopped dill into the hot couscous for a wonderfully refreshing aroma. Serve with boneless chicken thighs, grilled in the oven, and fresh cucumbers. Unlike chicken breasts, the thighs won't dry out and will remain juicy, especially when paired with roasted grape tomatoes. This Mediterranean-style dinner will take you no more than 20 minutes to prepare.
Murg Makhani in a slow cooker
This Indian dish is loved worldwide for its warming, filling, and flavorful flavor. While the traditional murgh makhani recipe takes a long time to prepare, this version is much quicker, thanks to the magical features of a slow cooker. The chicken requires no marinating and is cooked in a pressure cooker. Serve with warm basmati rice.
Recipe: Murg Makhani in a slow cooker
Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Pumpkin
This complete chicken dish with a vegetable side dish in sauce is made in one pot. Chili paste and ginger give it a piquant flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. Only skinless and boneless chicken thighs are used, so you can be sure your chicken will be juicy no matter what.
Crispy chicken thighs in coconut chipotle sauce with black bean and mango salad
Roast chicken thighs in the oven until crispy and serve with a spicy coconut sauce made with the chicken's juices and a salad of black beans, mango, onions, and cilantro. With minimal effort, you'll have a complete meal packed with a whole host of vibrant flavors.
Grilled chicken thighs
Chicken pairs perfectly with garlic and honey. Garlic imparts a piquant flavor and aroma, while the honey glaze tenderizes the meat and creates a delicious caramelized crust during cooking. This dish will captivate you with its unusual combination of flavors and a bouquet of aromas.
Recipe: Grilled chicken thighs
Chicken and 40 cloves of roasted garlic
This twist on a traditional Provençal dish uses 40 cloves of garlic in three ways: some are fried whole in butter, some are roasted and turned into a flavorful garlic paste for the sauce, and the remaining few cloves are made into garlic chips to top the chicken when serving. It's a garlic lover's paradise. The chicken thighs are braised in a rich garlic sauce until tender, juicy, and flavorful. You'll have some leftover roasted garlic paste to make a delicious bread spread, mixed with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Caribbean Grilled Chicken Thighs and Eggplant
Both the chicken and its vegetable side dish are prepared in a Caribbean style, harmoniously blending savory notes with fruity sweetness and freshness. Before grilling, the chicken thighs are marinated in a savory blend of mango nectar, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and Jamaican jerk paste. This mixture is then reduced on the stovetop, creating a stunning sauce for the fried chicken. The chicken is served with a vegetable side dish of grilled eggplant in jerk sauce, slices of fresh mango, green onions, and fragrant basil. For a more tart, fruity flavor, top the dish with lime wedges.
Oven-baked chicken thighs with oranges
A one-sheet dinner is quick and convenient: you cook the meat and a side dish with vegetables at the same time. And if you combine the ingredients correctly, the result is delicious. In this recipe, chicken thighs are baked with small potatoes, fennel root, red onion, and orange slices, all in a mixture of orange juice, honey, grainy mustard, and olive oil. Place everything on a preheated sheet pan to ensure the vegetables and chicken are nicely browned underneath. Serve garnished with fennel greens. This dish is perfect for both everyday meals and family celebrations.
Chicken and Turmeric Flatbread
Widely used throughout Southeast Asia, turmeric adds a distinctive color, aroma, and flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. This recipe combines it with pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, and cloves) to create a quick chicken seasoning. Layer the spiced chicken on crispy naan, top with yogurt sauce, and you've got a complete meal in just 20 minutes!
Recipe: Chicken and Turmeric Flatbread
Roman-style chicken
This juicy, flavorful chicken is perfect for a party because it can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Recipe Roman-style chicken by Giada De Laurentiis.
Rigatoni pasta with chicken and tomato sauce
This easy, healthy dinner is an upgrade on pasta and meatballs. Instead of ground meat, we use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which stay tender and juicy while simmering in the sauce. Recipe Rigatoni pasta with chicken and tomato sauce by Ree Drummond.
Chicken in mustard sauce
A classic French bistro dish can be made more affordable: replace the rabbit with inexpensive chicken thighs. Simmer the meat in a rich, creamy sauce until tender, then serve with noodles. Recipe Chicken in mustard sauce by Melissa D'Arabian.
Hunter's-style chicken noodles
In a classic recipe for chicken cacciatore (hunter's style), Ree Drummond adds juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs and assorted sautéed vegetables to egg noodles. Recipe Hunter's-style chicken noodles.
Chicken Beef Stroganoff in Sour Cream Sauce
Instead of traditional beef, this hearty weeknight dinner dish uses juicy chicken thighs. Recipe Chicken Beef Stroganoff in Sour Cream Sauce.
Breaded chicken thighs in the oven
For this simple dinner, dip juicy chicken in a zesty Dijon mustard mixture, coat in a spicy Parmesan breading, then bake until crispy and golden brown. Recipe Breaded chicken thighs in the oven.
Grilled chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce
Recreate a favorite Chinese restaurant dish with less salt and carbs. Chicken thighs are roasted overhead and served in homemade teriyaki sauce. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce by Ellie Krieger.
Grilled chicken thighs in breadcrumbs
These chicken thighs are breaded in a rich mixture of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Serve with juicy grilled tomatoes to tone down the heat. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs in breadcrumbs.
Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Mustard-Maple Crust
Ellie Krieger proves that white meat isn't the only part of chicken worth celebrating. She uses bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and coats the meat with a savory, low-fat glaze before roasting. Recipe Oven-baked chicken thighs with a mustard-maple crust.
Grilled chicken thighs in a spicy lemon marinade
For the marinade, combine lemon juice, fresh sage, and rosemary. Grill the lemon halves and serve with the chicken—guests will love the combination. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs in a spicy lemon marinade by Anne Burrell.
Grilled chicken thighs in a citrus marinade
The zest and juice of citrus fruits add intense flavor to the chicken thighs. Add a little heat with a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs in a citrus marinade by Dave Lieberman.
Grilled chicken thighs in a garlic-ginger marinade
Save time on prep by marinating the meat overnight in a mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and orange juice. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs in a garlic-ginger marinade by Guy Fieri.
Grilled marinated chicken thighs
Mark Forgioni marinates skin-on chicken thighs overnight in a garlic-herb marinade before grilling them. "It's a great basic marinade for grilled meats," says Mark. "Pink peppercorns add a nice kick." Recipe Grilled marinated chicken thighs by Mark Forgioni.
Chicken stewed in beer
This savory chicken stew is packed with flavor. The recipe calls for brown ale, brown sugar, and bacon. Chicken stewed in beer.
Roasted chicken thighs with grapes and olives
Grapes might seem like an unlikely ingredient for this dish. However, the combination of the sweet fruit with chicken, salty capers, and olives creates the perfect sweet-salty flavor. Recipe Roasted chicken thighs with grapes and olives.
Jerk Chicken Thighs with Spicy Mango Dip
Jerk seasoning is full of spice and slightly spicy thanks to cayenne pepper. A refreshing note comes from the sweet and tangy mango and habanero sauce. Recipe Jerk Chicken Thighs with Spicy Mango Dip from Bobby Flay.
Grilled chicken thighs with feta and watermelon salad
To save time, rub the chicken with the marinade, absorbing its flavor. While the meat marinates, you can prepare a sweet and salty watermelon salad. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs with feta and watermelon salad.
Chicken tagine
Chicken thighs are the perfect poultry choice for this spicy, garlicky harissa sauce. Fresh herbs and sweet dried apricots help balance the heat of the sauce. Recipe Chicken tagine from Bobby Flay.
Grilled chicken thighs with Israeli couscous
The chicken is marinated in a Greek-style lemon, garlic, and oregano marinade. Raisins, olives, and feta cheese add a sweet and savory flavor to the couscous ptitim. Recipe Grilled chicken thighs with Israeli couscous.
Spanish-style roast chicken with potatoes
This hearty chicken thigh and potato dish is enhanced with lemon and parsley. It's filling and satisfying, yet perfect for warmer weather. Spanish-style roast chicken with potatoes.
Tandoori chicken
Marinate chicken thighs in a vibrant ginger-yogurt sauce, then bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Serve with a few spoons of the same sauce. Recipe Tandoori chicken in Indian.
Chicken thighs in the oven
In this simple dish, a tangy honey-mustard dressing pairs beautifully with sweet apples. Use cooking apples, such as Cortland apples, as they won't brown and will impart a bright, tart flavor. Recipe Chicken thighs in the oven.
Chicken and rice casserole
In this casserole, chicken paprikash is cooked alongside the side dish. Bell peppers are an unconventional addition, but they're rich in vitamin C and add a natural sweetness. Brown rice soaks up the sauce, creating a rich and filling recipe. Rice and Chicken Casseroles.
Corn Chowder
Sunny Anderson sears chicken in a pot for intense, savory flavor, then transforms the dish into a warming chowder with potatoes, corn, and cream. Recipe Corn Chowder.
Chicken in the oven
Melissa cooks the chicken with a head of garlic; the cloves become sweet and tender in the oven. Serve with bread for dipping in the sauce and spreading the garlic on the slices. Recipe Chicken in the oven by Melissa D'Arabian.
Asian chicken
Hearty chicken thighs are the perfect base for this sweet-and-savory, rich glaze made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and mirin (Japanese rice wine vinegar). Recipe Asian-style chicken by Aida Mollenkamp.
Chicken paprikash
Bone-in chicken thighs and hearty Russet Burbank potatoes pair perfectly with this tangy sauce. Recipe Chicken paprikash by Aida Mollenkamp.
Recipes with similar ingredients: chicken thighs
Categories:
Similar recipes
