I’m excited to share my favorite chicken thigh recipes with you. They’re easy to make and taste amazing. Chicken thighs are affordable, costing about $1.00 per pound. I’ll show you how to make them in many ways, like roasting, grilling, slow-cooking, and stir-frying.
Looking for easy or the best chicken thigh recipes? I’ve got 13 delicious options for you. You’ll find recipes that use ingredients like buttermilk, canned tomatoes, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, potatoes, and chickpeas.
I’ll guide you through each recipe with step-by-step instructions and tips. Ready to try new chicken thigh recipes and satisfy your cravings? Let’s get started!
Why Chicken Thighs Are a Great Choice for Dinner
Chicken thighs are loved for their rich taste and health perks. They pack a lot of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This makes them a fantastic choice for a nutritious meal. Plus, they stay juicy and tender, even when cooked for a while, perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
There are many healthy chicken thigh recipes to try. You can bake, grill, or sauté them. Baked chicken thigh recipes are quick and simple. Just season them with herbs and spices, then bake until done.
Chicken thighs offer several benefits:
- High protein content: about 20 grams per serving
- Rich in flavor: thanks to their higher fat content
- Forgiving cooking time: hard to overcook, great for beginners
- Versatile: can be cooked in many ways, like baking, grilling, or sautéing
Chicken thighs are also budget-friendly. They cost less than chicken breasts. Their flexibility in cooking and health benefits make them a top pick for dinner.
| Nutrient | Chicken Thighs | Chicken Breasts |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20g | 26g |
| Fat | 11g | 2.7g |
Easy One-Pan Chicken Thigh Dinners
One-pan dinners are a fantastic choice for easy chicken thigh recipes. They are quick, delicious, and easy to clean up. We’ll look at two simple recipes: sheet pan chicken thighs with vegetables and skillet chicken thighs with garlic and herbs.
These recipes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They can be ready in under 30 minutes. Chicken thighs cook fast, reaching 165°F in no time. You can marinate them in your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
For a grilled option, cook the chicken thighs on a preheated grill for 5-6 minutes per side. They should reach 165°F. Here’s what you’ll need for a one-pan chicken thigh dinner:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
Here’s the nutritional info per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Potassium | Fiber | Sugar | Vitamin A | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 357 kcal | 28 g | 23 g | 10 g | 147 mg | 452 mg | 785 mg | 2 g | 6 g | 2087 IU | 19 mg | 145 mg | 2 mg |
Marinated Chicken Thigh Recipes to Impress
Marinating chicken thighs is a great way to make them moist and flavorful. We’ll share two tasty recipes that will wow your guests. These are perfect for anyone wanting the best chicken thigh recipes, and they work great in the instant pot too.
First, let’s look at the honey garlic soy marinade recipe. It’s a classic that’s sure to be a hit. You’ll need 2½ lbs of chicken thighs, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 cloves of garlic. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the grill to 425°F-450°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Next, we have the lemon herb marinade recipe. It includes 2½ lbs of chicken thighs, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 2 tbsp of chopped fresh herbs. The steps are similar, but you’ll add lemon and herbs to the mix.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 209 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
Flavorful Chicken Thighs in the Slow Cooker
Slow cooker chicken thigh recipes are great for easy, healthy meals. We’ll look at two tasty options: BBQ chicken thighs and creamy mushroom chicken thighs. These recipes are perfect for any day or special event.
To make these recipes, you’ll need chicken thighs, BBQ or mushroom sauce, and spices. Cooking time is about 4.5 to 5 hours on LOW. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Savory BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The BBQ sauce’s sweetness and tanginess match the chicken’s flavor. Just put the chicken in the slow cooker, add BBQ sauce, and cook for 4.5 to 5 hours.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
This recipe adds a creamy twist to chicken thighs. The mushroom sauce brings a rich flavor. Sauté mushrooms and onions, then mix with chicken and cream sauce in the slow cooker. Cook for 4.5 to 5 hours and serve hot.
Both recipes are not only tasty but also healthy. A serving has about 442 calories, with 37g of protein, 2g of carbs, and 53g of fat. Here’s the nutritional info per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 442 |
| Protein | 37g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 53g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 253mg |
| Sodium | 630mg |
| Potassium | 498mg |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sugar | 0.2g |
| Vitamin A | 575IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 32mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes for Summer
Grilled chicken thigh recipes are perfect for summer. They are delicious and healthy. You can make tasty dishes for outdoor events or simple weeknight dinners.
Easy chicken thigh recipes are great for busy summer nights. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Then, grill them until they’re done.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F)
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving
Follow these tips and you’ll make amazing summer meals. Your family and friends will love them.
International Chicken Thigh Dishes to Try
Exploring the best chicken thigh recipes means looking at flavors and cooking methods from all over. Thai red curry chicken thighs are a hit, blending coconut milk’s richness with red curry’s heat. You’ll need chicken thighs, red curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce to make it.
Mediterranean chicken thigh skewers are another tasty choice for baked chicken. They’re marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Then, they’re grilled or baked to be just right. You’ll need chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for these.
- Prepare the ingredients and marinades as the recipe says
- Cook the chicken thighs by grilling or baking
- Serve with sides like rice or roasted veggies
Trying these international chicken thigh dishes can open up new flavors and cooking techniques. Whether you like the spicy Thai red curry or the herby Mediterranean skewers, there’s a lot to explore. You’ll find many delicious best chicken thigh recipes and baked chicken thigh recipes to try.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Try these baked chicken thigh recipes for a tasty and healthy meal. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You’ll need 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and your favorite spices. A good mix includes salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
Healthy chicken thigh recipes focus on nutrients. One chicken thigh has about 285 calories, 18g of protein, and 22g of fat. Use about one teaspoon of herbs and spices for each thigh.
To cook, place the chicken on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle spices over the chicken. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it reaches 170°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
These baked chicken thigh recipes are not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and basic cooking steps, you can make a tasty meal for any occasion.
Chicken Thighs for Meal Prep
Chicken thighs are a great choice for meal prep. They can be cooked ahead of time and reheated when needed. This makes them perfect for busy weeks. We’ll look at two easy recipes: make-ahead chicken thighs with rice and chicken thighs with roasted veggies.
These recipes are not only tasty but also quick to make. Instant pot chicken thigh recipes offer a healthy, tasty meal in minutes. They’re great for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one of our meal prep recipes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
With these easy chicken thigh recipes, you can enjoy a healthy meal prep any time. So, why not try them and see how instant pot chicken thigh recipes can simplify your meal prep?
Quick Chicken Thigh Stir-Fry Recipes
Stir-fries are a great choice for easy chicken thigh recipes. They can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner. The teriyaki chicken thigh stir-fry is a favorite among many.
To make this dish, you’ll need 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Also, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey are needed. Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers and broccoli for a complete meal. For grilled chicken, grill the chicken before adding it to the stir-fry.
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish
Cook the chicken and veggies in a wok or large skillet with oil. Then, add the teriyaki sauce and stir-fry. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion. This recipe is quick, delicious, and easy to make.
Nutrition information per serving (4 servings): Calories: 523 kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 118mg, Sodium: 959mg, Potassium: 823mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 3380 IU, Vitamin C: 47.7 mg, Calcium: 46 mg, Iron: 3 mg.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 523 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 36g |
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Thigh Recipes
Now that you’ve tried many tasty chicken thigh recipes, it’s time to think about what to serve with them. Pairing these juicy chicken thighs with the right sides can make your meal even better. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Suggested Sides for Chicken Thighs
Try serving your chicken thighs with fluffy basmati rice or nutty quinoa. You can also choose from a variety of roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, green beans, or roasted potatoes. For a more filling meal, add warm naan bread or a mushroom rice pilaf to the mix.
Perfect Sauces and Condiments to Pair
Don’t forget to add some sauces and condiments to your chicken dishes. Options like tangy ketchup, sweet honey, zesty garlic, and aromatic herbs can really boost the flavor. These simple ingredients can turn your chicken into a true masterpiece.