20 Chicken Thigh Recipes That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken thighs are a tasty and budget-friendly choice for many meals. They’re juicy, flavorful, and hard to overcook. You can cook chicken thighs in many ways, like baking, grilling, air frying, or slow cooking. This makes them perfect for various dishes, from comfort food to salads.

These recipes are easy to make and great for quick dinners. You’ll find ideas for every taste, including spicy, savory, and even sweet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these chicken thigh recipes will surely impress.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme.

  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large baking dish.

  4. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated.

  5. Arrange lemon slices around the chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The skin should be crispy and golden brown.

  7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your tasty lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs!

Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

You’ll need:

  • 8 chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make this tasty dish:

  1. Mix soy sauce, honey, oil, garlic, ginger, and green onions in a large zip-top bag.

  2. Add chicken thighs to the bag. Seal and shake to coat. Pop it in the fridge for 1 hour.

  3. Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  4. Take the chicken out of the bag and put it in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over it.

  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken twice while cooking.

  6. For extra crispy skin, broil for 5 minutes at the end.

  7. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Your honey soy glazed chicken thighs are ready! The skin will be golden and slightly crispy, while the meat stays juicy. Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

You’ll love these crispy oven-baked chicken thighs! They’re easy to make and full of flavor. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.

  3. Mix all the spices in a small bowl. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix all over.

  4. Place the chicken skin-side up on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not touching each other.

  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The skin should be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken thighs!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

You’ll love this easy and tasty recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Directions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.

  2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

  4. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

  5. When done, the chicken should reach 165°F inside.

  6. Take out the chicken and put it on a baking sheet.

  7. Broil for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.

  8. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

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Your family will love this tender, flavorful chicken! Serve it over rice with some veggies on the side for a complete meal.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

You’ll need:

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side.

Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side with BBQ sauce. Cook for 3 more minutes.

Flip again, brush the other side with sauce, and cook for 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the grill temperature to avoid burning.

Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled BBQ chicken thighs!

Chicken Thigh Cacciatore

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup olives, pitted

Now, let’s cook:

  1. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown (about 6 minutes). Flip and cook for 1 more minute. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, cook onions, peppers, and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  4. Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  5. Add tomatoes, oregano, and olives. Stir well.

  6. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Your Chicken Thigh Cacciatore is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Add the chicken thighs to the mixture, making sure they’re well coated.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.

  4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  5. Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

  6. Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil.

  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

  8. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your tasty Greek yogurt marinated chicken thighs!

Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs

You’ll love this tasty and easy coconut curry chicken dish! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey, juice of half a lemon

Directions:

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of curry powder.

  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

  4. Stir in remaining curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  6. Return chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

  7. If desired, stir in honey and lemon juice for extra flavor. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

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Enjoy your delicious homemade coconut curry chicken thighs!

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Thighs

You’ll love this tasty and crispy chicken dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  2. Mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl.

  3. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

  4. Coat each thigh in the Parmesan mixture, pressing it on to stick.

  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

  6. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.

  7. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs.

  8. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

  9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Thighs!

Jerk Chicken Thighs

Ready to spice up your dinner? Try these tasty jerk chicken thighs!

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Directions:

  1. Mix the jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.

  2. Rub the mixture all over your chicken thighs. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can.

  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven.

  5. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your spicy, juicy jerk chicken thighs with some rice and veggies for a yummy meal!

Chicken Thigh Adobo

You’ll love this tasty Filipino dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves

Directions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a bowl.

  2. Add chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes.

  3. Pour everything into a large pot and bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, turning chicken halfway through.

  5. Remove chicken and set aside. Boil sauce until it thickens.

  6. Return chicken to the pot and coat with sauce.

Your chicken adobo is ready! Serve it with rice and enjoy the rich, tangy flavors.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Mix the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.

  3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

  4. Take each chicken thigh out of the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then coat in the seasoned flour.

  5. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

  6. Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil, cooking 3-4 pieces at a time.

  7. Fry for 14-16 minutes, turning every few minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

  8. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

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Enjoy your crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken thighs!

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Now, let’s cook some tasty Moroccan chicken!

  1. Mix the spices in a small bowl.

  2. Rub the spice mix all over your chicken thighs.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

  6. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and tuck the lemon wedges around the thighs.

  7. Put a small pat of butter on each chicken thigh.

  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.

  9. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

Your Moroccan spiced chicken thighs are ready! The meat will be tender and full of flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Chicken Thigh Coq au Vin

You’ll need these ingredients for this classic French dish:

  • 6 chicken thighs, skin-on
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup pearl onions
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes per side. Set aside.

  3. Sauté the onions and mushrooms in the same pot for 5 minutes.

  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

  5. Pour in the wine, broth, and tomato paste. Stir well.

  6. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the bacon, thyme, and bay leaves.

  7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

  8. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Coq au Vin!

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Ready to spice up your chicken dinner? Try these zesty Buffalo chicken thighs! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  2. Mix the spices in a bowl and rub them onto the chicken.

  3. Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

  4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet.

  7. Cook for 5 minutes until the skin is crispy.

  8. Flip the thighs and transfer the skillet to the oven.

  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your spicy, tangy Buffalo chicken thighs!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty chicken thighs:

  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix the Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.

  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.

  4. Rub the Parmesan mixture all over the chicken, getting some under the skin too.

  5. Place the thighs in a baking dish, skin side up.

  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.

  7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

You can serve these yummy thighs with a side of greens or rice. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – perfect for a quick and easy dinner!