10+ Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Chicken thighs are a delicious and affordable option for dinner. They are versatile and can be cooked in many ways.

With a few simple recipes, you can prepare juicy and flavorful chicken thighs that everyone will love.

Whether you prefer baking, frying, or using a skillet, easy chicken thigh recipes are quick to prepare and require minimal ingredients. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

You’ll find that with a little creativity, you can create mouthwatering meals that fit your lifestyle.

1) Easy Baked Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

Baked chicken thighs are a simple yet delicious meal. You’ll enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat in every bite.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Pat the chicken thighs dry to help achieve that perfect crispiness. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

Place the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

For extra crunch, broil them for a few minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Ingredients

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Your favorite spices (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and spices.
4. Place on a baking sheet, skin-side up.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Broil for a few minutes for extra crispiness if desired.

2) Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Garlic butter chicken thighs are a delicious option that’s easy to make. The buttery flavor combined with garlic creates a tasty dish.

You can prepare it quickly on a busy weeknight. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

You will need chicken thighs, butter, garlic, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a savory meal.

Sear the chicken in a pan, skin-side down, until it gets crispy. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and pour it over the chicken before baking.

This will keep the chicken juicy. Serve with sides like rice or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Sear chicken, skin-side down, in a hot pan.
4. Mix melted butter and garlic.
5. Pour garlic butter over the chicken.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.

3) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Cilantro

Honey garlic chicken thighs with cilantro are a tasty addition to your dinner table. The sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly.

It’s easy to prepare. For this recipe, you’ll need chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and pour the remaining sauce over it.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

4) Skillet Chicken Thighs in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Skillet chicken thighs in creamy garlic sauce are simple and delicious. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes.

The tender chicken thighs get a nice sear and are smothered in a rich garlic sauce. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides.

Remove the chicken and add garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for a minute, then stir in cream and seasonings.

Put the chicken back in and let it simmer until cooked through.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown.
3. Remove chicken from skillet.
4. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add cream and seasonings, stirring well.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until fully cooked.

5) Crispy Baked Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Crispy baked bone-in chicken thighs are a delicious and easy option for dinner. You’ll love the savory flavor and tender meat.

To prepare, season the chicken thighs well and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. This will help achieve crispy skin.

For an extra crunch, broil them for a few minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Enjoy these chicken thighs with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the thighs with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Place the thighs skin side up on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
6. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.

6) Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Thighs with Corn and Black Beans

This dish is simple and perfect for busy evenings. Chicken thighs stay juicy while cooking.

To make this meal, you need a few easy ingredients. Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker.

Pour salsa over the top, then add black beans and corn for extra texture. Let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (about 175°F to 190°F or 80°C to 88°C), until the chicken is tender.

Serve it on its own, or with rice or tortillas.

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Pour salsa over the chicken.
3. Add black beans and corn.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

7) One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs are simple and full of flavor. You will enjoy the zesty taste of lemon paired with herbs.

Start by marinating the chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. This helps the meat stay tender and juicy.

You can use oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Cook the chicken in one pan to save on cleanup.

Add potatoes or vegetables for a complete meal. Bake it all together at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups potatoes or mixed vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes.
4. Place the chicken in a baking pan with potatoes or vegetables.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

8) Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs

Spicy Cajun chicken thighs are packed with flavor and easy to make. They have a perfect blend of spices that gives them a nice kick.

You can prepare these thighs in the oven or on the stovetop. Marinate your chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice.

This seasoning adds a zesty and spicy taste. Sear the thighs in a hot pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through.

This dish goes great with rice or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet on medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken thighs in the skillet or place them on a baking sheet and bake.
5. Cook until thighs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

9) Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs

Soy ginger glazed chicken thighs are a delicious and simple dish you can make at home. The mix of soy sauce and ginger creates a flavorful glaze for the chicken.

Start by marinating the chicken thighs in soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic. This step adds a savory kick to the meat.

Cook the thighs in a hot skillet until they turn golden brown and cook through. Serve these thighs with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

The glaze is sticky and sweet. This dish is a favorite for family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Brush with extra glaze while cooking for extra flavor.

10) Oven-Roasted Parmesan Garlic Chicken Thighs

This oven-roasted Parmesan garlic chicken thighs recipe is simple and full of flavor. It’s easy to prepare a tasty meal.

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature lets the chicken cook evenly and develop a golden color.

Combine garlic, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices in a bowl. Rub this mixture over the chicken thighs to coat them well.

Place the thighs on a baking tray. Roast them for 30-40 minutes.

Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat.

Serve the chicken thighs with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Garlic, minced
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix garlic, Parmesan, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture.
4. Place chicken on a baking tray.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until fully cooked.