Chicken thighs are a tasty and budget-friendly option for many meals. They’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook in lots of different ways.

From quick weeknight dinners to fancy weekend dishes, chicken thighs can do it all.

You’ll find plenty of delicious ideas in this collection of 30 chicken thigh recipes. These dishes cover a wide range of flavors and cooking methods.

You’ll see recipes for grilled, baked, fried, and slow-cooked chicken thighs. There are also options for different cuisines, like Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean-inspired meals.

With so many choices, you’re sure to find new favorites to add to your recipe rotation.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey garlic chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. You’ll need chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few spices.

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the thighs in a pan until they’re golden brown on both sides.

Make a sauce by mixing honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this over the chicken in the pan. Let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

You can bake these in the oven too. Just brown the chicken first, then add the sauce and bake until done. The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze.

2. Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Baked teriyaki chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. You can make them with boneless or bone-in thighs. The key is a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce.

To make this dish, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce. Then place the thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush more sauce on top before baking.

Cook the chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the thighs halfway through and add more sauce. The result is juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet glaze.

Serve your baked teriyaki chicken with rice and veggies for a complete meal. Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and color.

3. Crispy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

This dish combines zesty lemon, savory Parmesan, and juicy chicken thighs. You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Start by coating the chicken in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy crust when baked.

For extra flavor, add garlic and lemon zest to the coating.

Bake the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The bright citrus complements the rich Parmesan crust.

Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

4. Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Spicy peanut butter chicken brings a tasty twist to your dinner table. You’ll love this dish’s rich, creamy sauce with a kick of heat.

To make it, start by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and coat with cornstarch.

Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until browned.

For the sauce, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, and ginger. Add chili pepper for extra spice.

Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and stir until heated through.

Serve your spicy peanut butter chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions for added flavor and color.

5. Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

This tasty dish combines sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard for a flavorful chicken thigh recipe. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best results.

Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. Add the chicken thighs and coat them in the sauce.

Bake the chicken uncovered at 375°F for about 40 minutes. Baste the thighs with the sauce a few times during cooking.

The dish is done when the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Serve the thighs with the remaining sauce drizzled on top for extra flavor.

6. Garlic Herb Butter Chicken

Garlic herb butter chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. You start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and herbs.

Rub this flavorful mixture under the skin of your chicken thighs. This helps keep the meat juicy as it cooks.

You can use dried Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Either option will give your chicken great flavor.

Bake the chicken thighs in the oven until the skin turns golden and crispy. The garlic butter melts, creating a delicious sauce.

This dish goes well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. It’s an easy way to make chicken thighs extra special.

7. Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs

You’ll love this tasty twist on chicken thighs. Start by seasoning the thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot pan until golden brown.

Next, cook onions, garlic, and ginger in the same pan. Add curry powder and red curry paste for extra flavor. Pour in coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.

Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Let it cook in the creamy sauce until tender.

You can add some veggies like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Serve your coconut curry chicken thighs over rice. The rich, spicy sauce goes great with the juicy chicken.

It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s sure to please.

8. Sticky BBQ Baked Chicken

You can make tasty sticky BBQ chicken thighs in your oven. Start by mixing BBQ sauce ingredients in a baking dish. Add chicken thighs and coat them well.

Place the thighs skin-side down and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then flip them over and spoon more sauce on top. Bake for another 30 minutes.

For extra stickiness, brush on more sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

9. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Balsamic glazed chicken thighs offer a tasty mix of sweet and tangy flavors. You can make this dish easily at home.

Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic. Let it sit for 15 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated thighs in a baking dish.

Cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes. Baste it with the marinade halfway through cooking.

For extra flavor, you can reduce some balsamic vinegar with brown sugar to make a thicker glaze. Brush this on the chicken before serving.

10. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs

This tasty dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich mushroom sauce. You’ll start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown.

Next, you’ll make the sauce. Sauté mushrooms in butter until they’re soft. Add garlic for extra flavor.

The sauce gets its creamy texture from chicken stock and flour. Some recipes add white wine for depth.

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley give the dish a fresh taste. The chicken goes back in the pan to finish cooking in the sauce.

This meal is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

11. Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken

Oven fried buttermilk chicken is a tasty and healthier take on classic fried chicken. You’ll love how crispy it gets without deep frying.

Start by marinating chicken thighs in buttermilk with spices like thyme, cayenne, and garlic powder. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and seasonings for the coating.

Dip each marinated chicken piece in beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a rack over a baking sheet.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

12. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs blend spicy buffalo sauce with cool ranch flavors. This tasty dish is easy to make and perfect for grilling.

To prepare, mix hot sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs in this marinade for at least 10 minutes or overnight.

Grill the chicken on high heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You can also bake these in the oven at 425°F or air fry at 380°F. Both methods work well for achieving crispy skin and juicy meat.

Serve with extra buffalo sauce and your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

13. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Lemon herb roasted chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. To make them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with this mixture.

Place the seasoned thighs in a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan. For extra flavor, add lemon juice and fresh herbs to the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can adjust the herbs to suit your taste preferences.

14. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Honey mustard chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. You can make them in under an hour with just a few ingredients.

Mix honey, mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to create a flavorful sauce. Coat the chicken thighs in this mixture before baking.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic and your choice of spices to the sauce. Popular options include paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.

Bake the chicken thighs at 450°F for about 50 minutes. Make sure to baste them with the sauce while cooking for a nice glaze.

You can pair these chicken thighs with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They’re great for meal prep too, as leftovers keep well for easy lunches.

15. Sweet Chili Lime Chicken

Sweet chili lime chicken thighs are a tasty and easy meal. You’ll love the blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

To make this dish, coat chicken thighs in a mix of sweet chili sauce and lime juice. The sauce gives a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Bake the chicken in the oven until it’s cooked through. The skin will get crispy and the meat will stay juicy.

You can serve these chicken thighs with rice or vegetables. They’re great for a quick weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd.

Try marinating the chicken for extra flavor. Even 30 minutes can make a difference, but you can leave it for up to 8 hours if you have time.

16. Garlic and Paprika Chicken Thighs

This recipe combines the bold flavors of garlic and paprika to create tasty chicken thighs. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 425°F.

Mix olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs in a small skillet. Heat this mixture for about a minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then coat them with the garlic and paprika mixture. Make sure to get some of the seasoning under the skin for extra flavor.

Place the chicken in a baking dish and roast for about 30-35 minutes until cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful skin.

17. Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs

Jamaican jerk chicken thighs bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. You’ll need a flavorful jerk marinade to make this dish.

Mix oil, lime juice, spices, and peppers to create the marinade. Coat your chicken thighs and let them sit for at least an hour. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.

You can cook jerk chicken thighs in the oven or on the grill. If using the oven, bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. On the grill, cook for 5-7 minutes per side.

Baste the chicken with extra marinade while cooking for added flavor. Serve your jerk chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides.

18. Mediterranean Marinated Chicken

Mediterranean marinated chicken is a flavorful dish that brings sunshine to your plate. The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme.

To make it, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat them well. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess.

Grill the thighs for about 5 minutes per side until they reach 160°F internally.

Serve your Mediterranean chicken with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The tangy, herb-infused flavors will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast.

19. Southeast Asian Spiced Chicken

Southeast Asian spiced chicken thighs bring bold flavors to your table. You’ll love the mix of lemongrass, ginger, and garlic in the marinade. These aromatic ingredients give the dish its signature taste.

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in.

Grill or pan-fry the thighs until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve your spiced chicken with steamed rice and a side of vegetables. A squeeze of lime juice adds a fresh, zesty touch.

This dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

20. Portuguese Peri-Peri Chicken Thighs

Peri-peri chicken thighs bring the heat of Portuguese cuisine to your dinner table. This spicy dish features a marinade made with African bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and lemon.

To prepare, pat the chicken thighs dry and marinate them in peri-peri sauce for at least 2 hours. For best results, let them soak overnight in the fridge.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated thighs on a lightly oiled baking tray, skin side up.

Roast for about 40-50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices and leftover marinade.

Your peri-peri chicken thighs are done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

21. Szechuan Chicken Thighs

Spice up your dinner with Szechuan chicken thighs. This dish brings bold flavors to your table.

Start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. This step infuses the meat with rich taste.

Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the thighs skin-side down first for crispy skin.

Flip and cook until done.

For extra flavor, make a sauce with Szechuan peppercorns, dried chilies, garlic, and ginger. Toss the cooked chicken in this spicy mixture.

Serve your Szechuan chicken thighs hot. They pair well with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

22. Rosemary Lemon Cast Iron Chicken

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with bright lemon and aromatic rosemary. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and texture.

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Add minced garlic and fresh rosemary to the skillet for extra flavor.

Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F internally, about 25-30 minutes total.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. The cast iron gives the chicken a perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

23. Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs

Moroccan spiced chicken thighs bring exotic flavors to your dinner table. This dish combines aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon to create a tasty meal.

To make this recipe, rub the spice mixture on both sides of the chicken thighs.

Cook them in a skillet or on the grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For added flavor, include onions, garlic, and cilantro while cooking.

You can also add lemon slices, olives, and dried fruit for a more authentic Moroccan taste.

Serve your spiced chicken thighs with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is sure to impress your family or guests with its bold flavors and appetizing aroma.

24. Cider-Braised Chicken

Cider-braised chicken is a tasty fall dish that combines tender chicken thighs with the sweet tang of apple cider. To make it, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown.

Remove the chicken and add sliced onions to the pan.

Cook until softened, then pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the cider mixture.

As the chicken cooks, the cider reduces into a flavorful sauce. You can add sliced apples for extra sweetness and texture.

Serve this comforting meal with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

25. Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with crispy bacon and tangy BBQ sauce. Start by seasoning the thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Wrap each thigh in a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks. Place the wrapped thighs in a baking dish.

Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.

Cook in a preheated 425°F oven for about 30-35 minutes.

The bacon will become crispy and the chicken will be cooked through. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful bacon wrapped BBQ chicken!

26. Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Chimichurri chicken thighs are a flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with a zesty herb sauce. To make it, marinate the thighs in half of the chimichurri sauce for 15 minutes or overnight.

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally.

You can also cook it in a skillet or oven if you prefer.

The chimichurri sauce mixes parsley, garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes with oil and vinegar. Blend the ingredients in a food processor for a smooth consistency.

Serve the cooked chicken with the remaining sauce drizzled on top for extra flavor.

27. Tandoori Chicken Thighs

Tandoori chicken thighs bring Indian flavors to your dinner table. You can make this dish in the oven or on the grill. Start by marinating the chicken in yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice.

For oven-baked tandoori thighs, roast them at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. If grilling, sear the chicken over direct heat for 5 minutes per side. Then move to indirect heat and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serve your tandoori chicken thighs with naan bread, rice, and cucumber salad for a complete meal. The spicy, tangy flavors will make this dish a new favorite in your recipe collection.

28. Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Chicken

This tasty chicken dish combines rich flavors in a simple one-pan meal. You’ll love the mix of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

Start by cooking chicken thighs in a skillet until golden. Remove them and sauté onions and garlic.

Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, and cream to create a flavorful sauce.

Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce. Stir in some fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serve this sun-dried tomato basil chicken over rice or pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

29. Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 10 minutes. It’s spicy, savory, and full of flavor.

To make it, you’ll need ground chicken, Thai basil leaves, garlic, chili peppers, and a few sauces.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add garlic and chilies, then fry for a minute.

Next, add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.

Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar. Toss in the Thai basil leaves at the end.

Serve your Thai Basil Chicken over steamed rice for a filling meal. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra richness.

30. Mexican Lime Chicken Thighs

Mexican Lime Chicken Thighs are a tasty twist on classic chicken dishes. To make them, you’ll need chicken thighs, lime juice, and Mexican spices.

Start by mixing lime juice with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs and let them marinate.

After marinating, cook the chicken in a hot skillet. The high heat will create a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Serve your Mexican Lime Chicken Thighs with extra lime wedges and cilantro. They go great with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques for Chicken Thighs

Cooking chicken thighs can be done in various ways. Two popular methods are baking/roasting and grilling. Each technique brings out different flavors and textures in the meat.

Baking and Roasting

Baking and roasting chicken thighs is easy and gives great results.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels.

Rub them with oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Place the thighs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.

Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This method works well for both bone-in and boneless thighs.

Grilling

Grilling adds smoky flavor to chicken thighs.

Start by heating your grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Place them on the grill, skin side down if using skin-on thighs.

Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Use tongs to flip them, not a fork, to keep the juices in.

For extra flavor, brush with barbecue sauce or marinade in the last few minutes of cooking. Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs offer great taste and nutrition. They pack essential vitamins, minerals, and protein into a delicious package.

Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken thighs are rich in B vitamins. These help your body turn food into energy. They also support brain function and red blood cell formation.

You’ll get good amounts of: • Vitamin B3 (niacin) • Vitamin B6 • Vitamin B12

Chicken thighs also provide key minerals: • Iron for healthy blood • Zinc to boost your immune system • Selenium for thyroid health

The dark meat in thighs has more iron than chicken breast. This makes thighs a smart choice if you need more iron in your diet.

Protein Content

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein. A 3.5 oz (100g) serving gives you about 26 grams of protein.

This is roughly half the daily protein needs for most adults.

Protein from chicken thighs: • Helps build and repair muscle • Keeps you feeling full longer • Supports bone health

The protein in chicken thighs is complete. This means it has all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own.

Chicken thighs also have a bit more fat than chicken breast. This extra fat adds flavor and helps you absorb fat-soluble vitamins.