Chicken is one of the best go-to meals; unlock these 65 chicken thigh recipes so you can step up your meal prep game!
Chicken thighs are the most versatile and inexpensive cut and are known to make the perfect meal.
You can practically cook them; however you want to, and they will taste delicious.
Cooking chicken thighs, though, can be tricky.
You don’t want to overcook them, nor do you want the chicken to lose its moisture.
Moist and flavorful chicken thighs are not hard to achieve, only if you follow the recipes correctly.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite chicken thigh recipes that are sure to appease all taste buds.
From French Chicken Casserole to Libyan Chicken Pasta Dish, this compilation of the 65 most mouth-watering chicken thigh recipes is to die for.
I just have to add this chicken thigh recipe to my list because not only is it under 500 calories, but it’s also such a hearty meal that is easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious.
And this recipe requires skin-free, lean chicken thighs, and fat-free cream for the sauce!
Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, and consume this delicious French casserole when it’s hot.
This baked chicken recipe makes the best-baked chicken thighs, crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful on the inside.
It is also easy to make. Add the seasoning and herbs to the chicken thighs, rub them with olive oil, and bake them in the oven.
This meal is also best during weekdays when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands.
But if you do, you can add a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, potato wedges, or garlic rice to go with this dish.
This is easily my favorite oven-baked chicken thighs recipe!
Another quick and simple chicken thigh recipe I’d like to use when pressed for time is this one.
This recipe starts with marinating the chicken thighs with honey, lemon juice, garlic, and chicken stock.
Then in a tray, combine them with onions, baby potatoes, or any other vegetables of your preference and roast them in the oven.
And that’s it!
With this recipe, you get buttery, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs.
The chicken is paired with soft, tender mushrooms and soaked in a pool of garlicky sauce infused with herbs.
The best part about this recipe is yet another quick chicken thigh recipe. You can serve it at dinner parties or in the middle of the week for the whole family.
Though it’s perfect on its own, you can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or wedges.
This simple recipe will make golden-brown pan-seared chicken slathered in the delicious pan sauce.
This recipe is all about technique, and if done correctly, you’ll have the juiciest chicken with crispy skin on top.
It is also a relatively chicken thigh recipe you can make if you plan to cut down on those calories.
Want something oriental?
Check out this chicken teriyaki recipe for the best chicken thighs that are saucy, flavorful, and finger-licking good.
These are great for serving at a barbeque or dinner party.
While delicious on their own, I recommend you serve them with garlic rice to balance out the chicken’s flavor.
You and your family should be impressed by this chicken thigh recipe’s depth of Roman flavors.
It’s seasoned with savory ingredients and aromatics like bell pepper, prosciutto, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
The white wine-based sauce comes with only six ingredients and helps elevate the taste of the pan-fried chicken, which is heated and simmered for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Suppose you plan to make this recipe ahead of time, transfer the chicken and sauce to a storage container, and keep them refrigerated.
Then, reheat the chicken to a simmer over medium heat during the big day.
Prepare this chicken thigh dish featuring butter, bell peppers, sweet paprika, tomato paste, and sour cream for a luscious weeknight meal!
The sweet Hungarian paprika is noted for providing this ultra-creamy braised chicken with the ultimate mouthfeel, which will have you and your family clamoring for seconds.
Serve this dish alongside whole-wheat orzo flavored with minced parsley or dill, and prepare for that first heavenly bite.
Surrounded by roasted Brussels sprouts and tangy balsamic sauce, this dish looks impressive but requires little effort to put together.
Also, you don’t have to use some fancy condiments and ingredients, as the recipe only calls for thyme leaves, garlic, Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary.
10. Shoyu Chicken
This Hawaiian dish takes less than two hours to finish and makes a stunning and mouthwatering appearance.
Whether you serve it for a holiday dinner, cookout, or BBQ party, this recipe will surely be a head-turner once presented at the table.
The key to achieving the best flavor is to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour or, if possible, overnight.
Put a dash of paprika and cayenne pepper in the sauce for that extra flavor.
The best part of this dish isn’t just because it’s cooked in a slow cooker, but the array of flavors from chicken breast or thigh, spinach, sun-dried, and tomatoes.
You can also play around with the recipe or experiment with several variations.
For a creamier feel, mix in cream cheese and heavy cream.
If you want to maximize your time, prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
This Instant Pot Chicken Marbella takes your one-pan cooking adventure to new heights.
Delicious chicken thighs, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper combine with prunes, pearl onions, and fresh thyme to form a succulent main entree.
Once you try this out, you’ll be whipping up a large batch of this delight every week.
Serve this addictive chicken dish over polenta or mashed potatoes with savory gravy.
This hearty chicken thigh recipe comes together in an hour as an extra-delicious meal for weeknight dinners.
The secret ingredient to this flavor-packed dish? Cranberry-balsamic sauce!
Serve this palatable dish with steamed broccoli or any greens and a glass of pinot noir for a satisfying feast.
14. Chicken Biryani
This Indian-inspired dish is infused with aromatic flavors, and the lemon wedges on top add just the right amount of zesty aftertaste to every bite.
The chicken thighs are seasoned with Indian condiments such as garam masala, Indian curd, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, and ground turmeric before being sauteed in a pot filled with bay leaf, green cardamoms, garlic, anise, and caraway seeds.
Pro tip: Reduce the chili into the mix for a kid-friendly meal.
This crispy chicken thigh dish is fancy enough to serve at any holiday meal, but nobody will know how simple it is.
This recipe combines staple ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder–with no oil required–thanks to the magic of the air fryer!
This divine-looking dish is flavorful, especially when craving chicken thighs at home. It’s juicy, smokey, and full of flavors!
The recipe only calls for simple aromatics such as chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cumin.
And you’ll most likely have all the ingredients for the special barbecue sauce.
Serve this summer staple alongside macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or Panzanella, and get ready to hear WOWs from everyone at the backyard BBQ party.
This tempting chicken thigh dish will impress all your party guests, and the leftovers will be just as good as an early morning feast.
The key to making your chicken juicy, tender, and crispy golden skin is to give the thighs a dab on either side with a paper towel.
Don’t be shy to switch up the citrus and herbs, add your favorite dry spices, and load up some garlic, shallots, and onions–you decide!
This chicken dish features a creamy white mushroom sauce that kids and adults love.
Start seasoning the thighs on both sides with salt and pepper, and cook them in a skillet until golden.
Then fuse the chicken with the special sauce filled with herbs, veggies, and spices.
When braising white meat, you can experiment with the juices you use.
In this recipe, dill pickle juice had its time to shine.
The result is a unique sharp taste that adds flavor and saltiness to the chicken.
It’s ultra-tender, too, which pairs perfectly with the texture of cauliflower rice.
This Southeast Asian take on this chicken part brings the flavor out of the thighs.
The texture and juiciness of the meat are surprisingly easy to recreate at home, which makes it worth sharing.
Get your pot of rice ready and get the feast started!
Oh, the festivity of colors on this red curry makes it look a lot more mouthwatering!
The taste sure doesn’t disappoint, even with a short list of ingredients.
It doesn’t require much skill to make this adaptation of the famous Thai dish.
It’s soon to be your go-to dish when you want to impress in an instant.
Ah, crispy and cheesy tender chicken–the perfect comfort food in the middle of the week.
The thick, herby sauce will surely whet your appetite and have you coming back for seconds.
Here’s an excellent recipe to enjoy with salad on the side.
The spice rub makes a difference in packing flavor to the meat.
Follow the technique to achieve that light crisp at the end, and you have a spectacular dish!
The pistachios, herbs, citrus, and sweetener of choice are elements that add piquancy to the tale.
It’s an excellent selection to serve on a midweek catch-up with a friend.
You’ll want to share your recipe, too!
This dish is quite popular in the Philippines, and there is a restaurant with this as their highlight food.
One can eat a lot of rice with this savory take on the chicken part.
The char-grilling adds to the intensity of the flavors in this unique cuisine.
26. Omani Madrouba
Middle Eastern spices lend the perfect aromatic blend to this number.
Dried limes give it an earthy flavor.
End with a garnish of cardamom-infused ghee and fried onions for a truly different experience.
This comfort food recipe is what the Japanese would categorize under their “fast food” meals.
It’s the go-to dish of busy folks, from college students to employees working into the night’s wee hours.
Let this recipe be if you’re looking for a new appetizer to serve at game night.
It has the familiar savory goodness of Buffalo wings with a twist.
Serve with blue cheese and crusty bread, and watch the guys dig in.
Fill your kitchen with the exciting aromas of this Balkan recipe.
The exterior is light and thin.
Inside packs a ton of surprises for a filling and delicious meal.
This Turkish take on our meat of choice is excellent for those who are time-scrunched but want to eat good home-cooked food.
The ingredients are all within reach in your pantry.
There’s not much of the variety of spices we see in other Turk recipes, but it’s a worthwhile one-casserole meal to try at home.
The delectable combination of aromatic spices, colorful rice, and tangy sauce makes this an exciting dish to attempt in your kitchen.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and enjoy the new cuisine with your family.
Serve your Russian friends the meals they know of at home with this familiar food.
It should remind them of their childhood and student days.
It’s a classic dish often made at home and school–and you’d love to copy this one-pan meal, too.
Over in Poland, they like to spend Sundays with comfort food and the company of their loved ones.
When spending time with the family, they like to bring out dishes that speak to the warmth of their brood.
This recipe is great for when you’re cooking and chatting in the kitchen.
The unique spice blend used in this recipe is the same used for kabobs and grilled meats.
It’s a great seasoning to spice up chicken thighs without worrying about going overboard with saltiness.
Spicy with a sour bite–this recipe will delight you.
They like to keep it simple with an element of surprise with this dish from Hungary.
It’s always great to cook meat and rice together in various colors and flavors.
Children and grown-ups alike will love this dish.
You’d be glad to serve this to your family, too.
37. Caramel Chicken
Asian-inspired chicken often favors the sweet-spicy style like this recipe.
The mildly spicy sauce goes well with the flavors of the tender thighs.
Serve with a side of fresh spring rolls.
Want perfectly round meatballs?
You might want to try poaching in simmer stock after shaping them.
The mild seasoning and the simple sauce will have you making this recipe again and again.
Serve with lingonberry jam, and dine like you’re in Sweden.
Here’s a family recipe you’d want to pass on to yours, too.
The dish is savory and creamy.
It has a side of red cabbage and fingerling potatoes for a marvelous dinner.
The beer-marinated chicken adds flavor to the top layer while keeping the meat tender.
It’s a great way to enjoy skinless white meat with horseradish sauce and mustard, adding a nice tasty crust.
This fragrant dish takes its aroma and savory taste from the Bumbu Bali curry paste.
You can make this authentic Indonesian seasoning at home and use it to add flavor to your meat dishes.
A popular dish in Central Africa, the richness of Angola’s national dish will soon be one of your favorites.
Tomatoes, habanero, garlic, and onions add flavor to the chicken stock for the sauce.
Then, add the butternut squash towards the end for an excellent summer meal.
The unique blend in the South American marinate gives delightful savory goodness to the white meat.
It is seasoned well with the sauce, evident when you taste the juicy chicken.
These mini pies are perfect for sharing at potlucks and picnics.
They may be great appetizers and make excellent take-home favors.
It’s a family-friendly finger food made even better with the delicate part of chicken thighs with the twist of sweet potatoes.
Treat yourself to a mini vacation in the Bahamas with this one-pot wonder.
These chicken thighs, seasoned with a flavorful salt blend and red wine vinegar, are seeping with great taste.
Throw a few herbs and vegetables in the mix, and you have a hearty meal to serve your family.
This recipe reminds one of an Indian mom cooking home-cooked meals with love for her family.
What makes this dish shine is the cinnamon and panch phoran–a Bengali five spice.
The consistency is quite runny, which makes it pair best with rice.
47. Picante De Pollo
It’s an aromatic and spicy creole often served on Bolivia’s Independence Day (Aug 6th) and other special occasions.
The rich and satisfying comfort food is also a must in long winters.
Here’s a classic dinner recipe Belgians make throughout the year.
It’s a kid-friendly meal that you can serve to guests, too.
Instead of beef often used in the beef beer and onion stew, we’re using delicious chicken thighs.
Maximize this chicken part’s tenderness and flavor-absorbing traits by marinating them and charring them to add character.
Add garlicky-spicy-citrusy toppings, and you have a dish that truly packs a lot of flavors.
Why order Chinese takeout when you can make this dish at home?
Use fresh vegetables for the best-tasting meal you can whip up for lunch or dinner.
Best served warm over steamed rice.
Remind your fellow Hungarian friends of food that tastes like home.
From the rich, earthy flavors to the touch of sour cream towards the end–this meal would surely delight your Eastern European guests.
Serve hot with Spätzle–the pasta-like dish with the texture of dumpling wrappers.
What’s not to love about these sweet-spicy barbecue-style sticky chicken thighs?
Friends, little ones, guests, and family–everyone will love these succulent fine pieces of meat.
Here’s a great recipe to achieve tenderized thighs with a great sauce.
The citrusy base lends a tangy flavor to the chicken.
Once the sauce reduces, it’s time to dig into this aromatic dish!
World Tapas Day on June 16th calls for la Español style cuisine for dinner.
It’s excellent finger food or party nosh that makes you feel free to indulge.
Want to recreate one of your fave take-outs during college days?
Kids and teens will devour these sandwiches any time of the day.
Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavorful goodness–you’ll be bopping with excitement to make this for your everyone.
These gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free chicken thighs are so tasty.
Pressure-cooked with sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and Coconut Aminos is some delicious, tenderized white meat.
57. Moambe Chicken
This recipe is a gift from Central Africa.
Its tomato with peanut butter-based sauce is delectable, and the chicken pieces are more flavorful after being simmered and seared.
Enjoy this delightful Congolese meal with fried plantains (cooked bananas).
From home to restaurant buffets, you’ll find this dish popular in Costa Rica.
The achiote lends the chicken some unique color.
It’s lightly braised and nestled in vegetable sauce with potatoes to match.
The fusion of garlic, herbs, and a citrus blend of orange juice and lime makes these chicken thighs taste succulent.
The color is gorgeous and mouthwatering, and the flavors of this roasted dish surely won’t disappoint.
How do you get meat to be oh-so-flavorful?
You cover them entirely in a delicious herby sauce that’s so rich and creamy that you won’t be able to resist!
And it’s not just the outer part of this chicken that shines; the quick yogurt marinade also gives it a distinctive character.
This recipe calls for outdoor dining with a beachside view in Greece.
The mainstay flavors of this particular cuisine–onion, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano fill the meat with a juicy inside.
It’s a family-approved fare that you’ll all enjoy.
When you’re palate is craving every kind of flavor, give in to this dish.
The sweet chicken thighs have an extra hot kick with chili and spices.
The salsa on the side gives the meal a vibrant, juicy, citrusy balance.
From the moment you focus on this meal, it will whet your appetite.
It boasts a brilliant hue of color and a delightfully rich gravy.
Add in some pears and caraway seeds to bring the flavors of this recipe all together.
Take it from the Italians and use their seasoning to astound your family with this meal.
To sustain the marinade’s flavors, let the cooked chicken sit in its sauce for a while to let the juices seep right back into the meat.
The distinct taste of this recipe is thanks to the 11-spice Bazaar mix used to add flavor to the dish.
Known in Libya as Imbakbaka, this tomato-based one-pot pasta meal spiced up with jalapeño chile will soon be one of your go-to’s for dinner.
The bottom line
Chicken thighs aren’t only inexpensive, but they’re also delicious and easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or want to have something quick and tasty during the week, try out these chicken thigh recipes and let me know how they turn out!
Tasty Chicken Thigh Recipe Collection
Chicken is one of the best go-to meals; unlock these 65 chicken thigh recipes so you can step up your meal prep game!
Ingredients
- French Chicken Casserole
- Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
- Lemon & Garlic Chicken Tray Bake
- Skillet Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- Stovetop Chicken Thighs
- Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Roman-Style Chicken
- Braised Paprika Chicken Thighs
- Balsamic Roasted Chicken & Brussels Sprouts
- Shoyu Chicken
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Marbella
- Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
- Chicken Biryani
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Chicken Thighs With BBQ Sauce
- Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Fricassee
- Pickle-Braised Chicken Thighs With Cauliflower Rice
- Sticky Thai Chicken
- Thai Chicken Curry
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- Sweet & Spicy Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Citrus Honey Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)
- Omani Madrouba
- Miso Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Rillettes
- Khan Plov–Chicken Pilaf Lavash
- Turkish Baked Chicken Thigh
- Chicken Shawarma Rice
- Russian Chicken Stew
- Polish Chicken In Mushroom Sauce
- Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs
- Creamy Hungarian Paprika Chicken Thighs
- Galinhada (Brazilian Chicken & Rice)
- Caramel Chicken
- Chicken Thigh Swedish-Style Meatballs
- Danish Roasted Chicken Thighs In Mushroom Sauce
- German Mustard-Crusted Chicken
- Balinese Chicken Curry (Opor Ayam)
- Muamba De Galinha (Angolan Chicken Stew)
- Chimichurri Chicken
- Chicken & Sweet Potato Empanadas
- Bahamian Chicken Stew
- Murgir Jhol (Homestyle Bengali Chicken)
- Picante De Pollo
- Chicken Carbonnade
- Chicken Thighs With Citrus-Cilantro Salsa Verde
- California Farm Whole Chicken Thigh Stir Fry
- Chicken Paprikash
- Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs
- Chicken With Lime, Garlic, & Cilantro
- Spanish Tapas Chicken Thighs
- Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Pressure Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
- Moambe Chicken
- Costa Rican Chicken With Achiote
- Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
- Greek Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Indonesian Grilled Sambal Chicken
- One Pot Irish Stout Braised Chicken Thighs
- Italian Baked Chicken Thighs
- Libyan Chicken Pasta Dish
Instructions
- Find your favorite recipe from our Chicken Thigh Recipes list.
- Gather all the ingredients needed.
- Start cooking and make us proud!