Are you tired of the same old boring dinner routine? Look no further! Chicken thighs are a staple in many households, and with these 20 mouth-watering recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas again. From sweet and sticky to spicy and savory, we’ve got a recipe for every taste bud.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the most delicious chicken thigh dishes that are perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and exotic, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead and get ready to spice up your dinner game with these 20 juicy chicken thigh meat recipes!
Honey Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional glazed chicken, this recipe combines the richness of honey with the depth of garlic and soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these glazed chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger (if using).
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish. Brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon Herb Butter
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the crispiest baked chicken thighs with a tangy and herby lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chicken thighs on the sheet in a single layer.
4. Spread the lemon herb butter evenly over each thigh, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional chicken thighs, this recipe combines the bold flavors of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– Sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove from marinade and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Brush with chicken broth and water during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and toasted sesame oil (if using).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Thighs
Roast chicken thighs to perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, parmesan cheese, and thyme.
3. Place chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the top of each thigh with olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic-parmesan mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create tender and juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Strain the juices and discard any excess fat.
4. Serve the shredded chicken in a bun or over your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
This hearty one-pan dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining tender chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, and caramelized carrots. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s an easy choice for a busy evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the potatoes and carrots to the same pan, cooking until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and aromatic Thai-inspired dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the spiciness of curry, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, and fish sauce (if using).
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smothered Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy
Elevate your dinner game with this comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms to the skillet; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms; stir to combine.
7. Gradually whisk in chicken broth; bring mixture to a simmer.
8. Return chicken thighs to the skillet; spoon gravy over them.
9. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven; bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and aromatic twist on classic grilled chicken, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the warmth of pepper to create a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush both sides with the lemon mixture.
4. Sprinkle salt over both sides of the chicken.
5. Brush grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
7. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Chicken Thigh Adobo with Rice
A classic Filipino dish that combines the rich flavors of adobo sauce with tender chicken thighs, served with a side of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– Water for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well to coat.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Cook chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Serve chicken with steamed rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs with Rosemary
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the sweetness of balsamic glaze with the earthiness of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
6. Sprinkle chopped rosemary leaves over the top of each thigh.
7. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the chicken.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
A flavorful and effortless one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Arrange the chicken on one half of the sheet pan in a single layer.
5. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread them out on the other half of the sheet pan.
6. Top the Brussels sprouts with bacon pieces.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic Jamaican-inspired dish, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a spicy jerk seasoning and served with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions
For the pineapple salsa:
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and scallions.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and coat with the jerk mixture, ensuring even coverage.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange chicken thighs on the sheet.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice in a bowl. Season to taste.
7. Serve chicken thighs with warm pineapple salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Thigh Piccata with Capers and White Wine
A classic Italian-inspired dish, Chicken Thigh Piccata is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy capers, and rich white wine for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
4. Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
6. Pour white wine into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Add capers to the wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Feta
Elevate your chicken dish with this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe, where succulent chicken thighs are stuffed with a savory blend of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, and oregano.
3. Lay chicken thighs flat and make a horizontal incision in each thigh to create a pocket. Stuff each thigh with the spinach-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Thighs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
A rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add onion, mushrooms, and garlic to the same skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return chicken thighs to the skillet and coat with the creamy mushroom sauce.
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers with Vegetables
Savory and sweet teriyaki flavors meet juicy chicken thighs and colorful vegetables in this easy-to-make skewer recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken and vegetables to the marinade; toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with additional teriyaki sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Savor the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream in this decadent sauce, perfectly paired with tender chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with sun-dried tomatoes. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Serve chicken thighs with warm sun-dried tomato cream sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs with Cajun Seasoning
Get ready for a flavorful twist on classic chicken thighs! This Air Fryer recipe combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the bold, spicy flavor of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and the spice mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and toss to coat.
5. Place the chicken thighs in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check for crispiness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter Green Beans
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the brightness of lemon, all wrapped up with crispy chicken thighs and tender green beans.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, and butter.
3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Spread them out in a single layer on a separate baking sheet.
6. Roast green beans in the oven for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender but still crisp.
7. Serve chicken thighs with lemon garlic butter sauce spooned overtop, accompanied by roasted green beans.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these mouthwatering chicken thigh recipes! From classic comfort foods to international flavors, this collection has something for everyone. Try honey garlic soy glazed chicken thighs, crispy baked thighs with lemon herb butter, or spicy Korean gochujang chicken. Other highlights include slow cooker BBQ chicken, one-pan chicken and potatoes, Thai coconut curry, and many more. Whether you’re in the mood for savory, sweet, or tangy, these 20 recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
