10+ Chicken Thigh Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Dinner Ideas
Chicken thighs are a popular choice in many kitchens due to their rich flavor and tender texture. They can be prepared in countless ways, making them a versatile option for any meal.
Whether you prefer them baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, these recipes will help you create delicious dishes that your family will love.
In this article, you’ll discover a variety of chicken thigh recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor. From sweet and savory to crispy and juicy, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these tasty options!
1) Garlic Honey Chicken Thighs
Garlic honey chicken thighs are simple and delicious. This dish mixes sweet honey and savory garlic for a tasty meal. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful.
To start, you’ll need a few easy ingredients. Combine honey, soy sauce, and garlic to make a sweet marinade. You can add crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
Marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors soak in. Then bake them in the oven until they’re perfectly cooked.
They taste great with rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy the wonderful mix of flavors that make this dish a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
2) Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Crispy baked chicken thighs are a great choice for a delicious meal. They are easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can make them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
To start, you’ll want to bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps achieve a nice, crispy skin. Bake them for about 35 to 45 minutes without moving them.
For extra crunch, you can place them under the broiler for a few minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil on the thighs.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.
3) Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are delicious and full of flavor. The combination of cilantro and lime creates a refreshing taste that enhances the juiciness of the chicken thighs. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
To start, marinate the chicken thighs in a blend of lime juice, olive oil, fresh cilantro, and spices. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds great flavor.
You can cook them in the oven or grill them for a nice char. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare the grill.
- Cook chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4) Tuscan Style Chicken Thighs with Spinach
Tuscan Style Chicken Thighs with Spinach is a delicious and easy dish to make. It features juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sauce that combines sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The flavors will remind you of the sunny Italian countryside.
To prepare this dish, you will need a few key ingredients. The creamy sauce gets its richness from ingredients like parmesan cheese and garlic. The spinach adds color and nutrition to the meal.
You can serve these chicken thighs over pasta or with crusty bread. This meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken thighs until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
5) Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach
Stuffed chicken thighs with spinach are a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken and creamy filling makes a satisfying meal. You’ll love how the flavors blend together for a tasty dinner.
For the stuffing, you can mix fresh spinach with cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. Adding some garlic or herbs can elevate the taste even more.
Baking the thighs allows the chicken to stay juicy while the stuffing melts together beautifully. Serve these with a light salad or your favorite side.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil spray
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, panko, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into each chicken thigh.
- Place the thighs in a baking dish and spray with cooking oil.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
6) Soy Sauce Glazed Chicken Thighs
Soy sauce glazed chicken thighs are a tasty and easy dish to make. They combine the sweet and savory flavors of soy sauce, making them a hit for dinner.
You can marinate the chicken to get even more flavor. For a nice touch, pair it with rice or vegetables. The glaze caramelizes while cooking, giving the chicken a beautiful color.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
- Brush with extra glaze during the last 5 minutes.
7) Spicy Boneless Chicken Thighs
Spicy boneless chicken thighs are a tasty option for dinner. They are easy to make and full of flavor. A simple spice rub makes them irresistible.
Start by mixing your favorite spices with some olive oil. Coat the chicken thighs with this mixture. Bake them for about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until they are cooked through.
These chicken thighs are juicy and perfect for a quick meal. Serve them with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the spice mixture.
- Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Enjoy!
8) Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs
Parmesan crusted chicken thighs are a delicious option for dinner. The crispy, cheesy coating adds great flavor. You’ll love how easy this dish is to prepare.
To start, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results. The Parmesan and panko mixture creates a crunchy topping that everyone will enjoy. Baking instead of frying makes it a healthier choice.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs (panko preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken thigh with olive oil, then dip into the breadcrumb mix.
- Place the thighs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
9) Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Lemon herb grilled chicken thighs are a delicious choice for your next barbecue. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs make this dish refreshing and tasty.
To start, you will need some chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. This combination brings out the best flavors in the chicken.
Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to let the flavors soak in. Grilling the thighs will give them a nice char while keeping them juicy on the inside.
You’ll want to grill the chicken at around 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes on each side. This way, they cook evenly and get that perfect golden color.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or your preference)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade and coat well.
- Let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side.
- Check for doneness and enjoy!
10) Sweet and Savory Braised Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory braised chicken thighs are a delicious option for dinner. This dish combines rich flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. The blend of sweet and salty makes each bite exciting.
To start, you will need chicken thighs for tenderness. Adding ingredients like garlic and spices enhances the flavor. You can also include carrots or onions for extra sweetness.
Cooking on the stovetop, then finishing in the oven, helps develop a wonderful sauce. You’ll love how the chicken absorbs all the tasty juices.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
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Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes.
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Flip the chicken and add garlic, soy sauce, and honey.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Transfer the pan to the oven and braise for 45 minutes.
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Serve hot and enjoy!