When it comes to cooking, chicken thighs are one of the most versatile and mouth-watering options out there. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a party host seeking to impress your guests, these 18 delicious chicken thigh meat recipes have got you covered! From classic comfort food to international inspirations, we’ve got a wide range of flavors and cooking methods to explore.
From the simplicity of garlic butter chicken thighs to the bold flavors of spicy Sriracha chicken, our list has something for every taste bud. And with a variety of cooking techniques including baking, grilling, slow-cooking, and more, you’ll never get bored with the same old recipe again. So what are you waiting for? Dive into these mouth-watering recipes and discover your new favorite way to cook chicken thighs!
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying fall-off-the-bone chicken in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, chicken broth, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory honey soy glazed chicken thighs are a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors and classic comfort food. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a sticky and caramelized glaze that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and delicious recipe that yields crispy, juicy thighs every time. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be on your way to a satisfying dinner in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the chicken thighs evenly with the oil and spice mixture, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with these refreshing Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs, perfect for a light and flavorful dinner. This recipe combines the zesty taste of lemon zest, juicy chicken, and fragrant herbs to create a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Chicken Thighs
Elevate your meal game with these spicy and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a tangy sriracha sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this creamy and savory chicken thighs recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
6. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and oregano; season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add chicken back to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
10. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
BBQ Smoked Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked chicken thighs with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer gathering or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the smoker and cook for 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. After 2 hours, brush the BBQ sauce onto the chicken thighs.
6. Continue to smoke for an additional 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking with these juicy Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ. This recipe combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, sugar, and ginger to create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, and water.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade; coat evenly, then thread onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
This hearty dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a medley of colorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in one pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday supper.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Add the bell peppers, zucchinis, onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sticky Asian Chicken Thighs
Get ready to fall in love with these sweet and savory chicken thighs! This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional Asian-style chicken dishes, featuring crispy-skinned chicken smothered in a sticky glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the sticky glaze all over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with brown sugar.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this aromatic dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender chicken thighs are infused with the warmth of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and served with a tangy yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and the spice mixture.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix together yogurt and lemon juice. Serve with the baked chicken thighs.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs Recipe
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the classic jerk seasoning with chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup pineapple juice for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with pineapple juice on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken dinner game with these crispy Parmesan crusted chicken thighs! A simple and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the beaten egg and then coat in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard to create a deliciously complex flavor profile. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, these chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with olive oil.
4. Spoon the maple-Dijon mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each thigh is coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Thigh Curry with Coconut Milk
This creamy curry recipe is a flavorful and comforting meal option that combines the rich taste of coconut milk with tender chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in coconut milk and bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to skillet and cook until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Stew
This slow cooker recipe is a perfect solution for a busy day, as it requires minimal effort but yields a flavorful and satisfying stew. With chicken thighs, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Chicken Thigh Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your taco Tuesday game with this flavorful recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs and creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled chicken, Avocado Salsa, and desired toppings.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Thigh Pasta Alfredo
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy dish featuring chicken thighs, fettuccine, and a velvety Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
– Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Reduce heat to medium and add the garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Slice the chicken into strips and serve on top of the pasta.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these mouth-watering chicken thigh recipes! From classic garlic butter and crispy baked to international inspirations like Moroccan spiced and Jamaican jerk, there’s something for every palate. Discover how to make sticky Asian-style, slow-cooked curry, or indulge in creamy Tuscan pasta Alfredo. Plus, enjoy easy one-pan meals with vegetables, BBQ smoked goodness, and more! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course, these 18 delicious chicken thigh recipes are perfect for any occasion.
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