Chicken thigh recipes are popular and versatile. Their succulent flavor and juicy texture make them a favorite for countless recipes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using chicken thighs in cooking, share 75+ delectable recipes, answer frequently asked questions, and provide helpful tips for storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating.
Why Should You Make Chicken Thigh Recipes?
Flavorful and Juicy: Chicken thighs have a slightly higher fat content than chicken breasts, which makes them inherently juicy and packed with flavor. When cooked, they retain moisture, producing tender and delicious meat that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Budget-Friendly: If you’re looking to save on your grocery bill, chicken thighs are an excellent option. They are typically more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a practical choice for families on a budget.
Versatility: Whether you prefer baking, grilling, sautéing, or slow cooking, chicken thighs can adapt to various cooking methods and cuisines. From savory to sweet, chicken thighs can be transformed into an array of mouthwatering dishes.
Chicken Thigh Recipes Storage and Reheating Tips
STORE: Store raw chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up to two days and cooked chicken thighs for up to four days in airtight containers.
FREEZE: Wrap chicken thighs individually or in portions with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for optimal freezer storage.
THAW: Safely thaw frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight.
REHEAT: Reheat chicken thighs gently to avoid drying them out. Use methods like the oven, microwave, or stovetop with a bit of added moisture.
Chicken Thigh Recipes FAQ
What is the best method for cooking chicken thighs?
The best method for cooking chicken thighs depends on your personal preferences and how much time you have. Here are a few popular methods: oven-roasting, pan-frying, grilling, smoking, and pressure cooking.
No matter which method you choose, cook the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This will ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.
How long to bake boneless chicken thighs at 400?
Baking boneless chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) typically require 25-30 minutes, varying with thigh thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).
How long to bake chicken thighs at 375?
Chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) typically require 25-30 minutes, varying with thigh thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best baking temperature for chicken thighs will depend on your preferences and the type of chicken thighs you use.
350°F: Baking chicken thighs at 350°F will produce a more tender and juicy chicken. The lower temperature will allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly without drying out. This is a good option if you use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as the skin will have a chance to crisp up.
400°F: Baking chicken thighs at 400°F will produce a chicken cooked more quickly. This is a good option if you are short on time or prefer a crispier chicken.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the best baking temperature for chicken thighs is to experiment and see what you like best.
How to defrost chicken thighs?
Defrosting chicken thighs safely is crucial to avoid any risk of bacterial growth and ensure the meat’s quality. Here are three recommended methods for defrosting chicken thighs:
Refrigerator Defrosting: Place the frozen chicken thighs in a container or plate to catch any potential drips. Put the container in the refrigerator and let the chicken thighs defrost slowly. This method is the safest as it maintains a consistent, low temperature that inhibits bacterial growth. However, it’s also the slowest method, as the chicken may take several hours overnight to thaw completely.
Cold Water Defrosting: Seal the frozen chicken thighs in a leak-proof plastic bag, ensuring there’s no air inside. Place the bag in a large bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method is faster than refrigerator defrosting but requires more attention. This method can take around 1-3 hours to defrost chicken thighs.
Microwave Defrosting (for immediate cooking): Use the “defrost” setting on your microwave to thaw the chicken thighs. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for defrosting meat. Be cautious, as microwaving can unevenly thaw the chicken and even start cooking some parts. Only use this method if you intend to cook the chicken thighs immediately after defrosting.
Why are my chicken thighs tough?
Chicken thighs can turn out tough for a few reasons:
Overcooking: Overcooking chicken thighs can lead to tough and dry meat. If you cook them for too long or at a high temperature, the muscle fibers can contract excessively, resulting in toughness. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the safe temperature for chicken, but no higher.
Undercooking: On the flip side, undercooked chicken thighs can also lead to tough meat. Ensure they’re cooked all the way through, but not excessively.
Lack of Moisture: If the chicken thighs are not marinated, brined, or cooked with sufficient moisture, they can dry out during cooking, resulting in toughness. Marinades, sauces, or cooking methods that retain moisture can help prevent this.
Low-Quality Meat: The quality of the chicken thighs matters. Higher-quality chicken tends to be more tender and flavorful. If the meat is tough despite proper cooking, it might be due to the quality of the meat itself.
Not Resting After Cooking: Allowing the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting into the meat immediately can cause the juices to escape, leading to dryness and toughness.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in recipes calling for bone-in thighs?
Yes, most recipes can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for bone-in thighs. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Chicken Thigh Recipes
Chicken thighs are a culinary treasure, offering unmatched flavor and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for easy and delicious meals, chicken thighs will satisfy you. Try the tempting recipes shared here, and don’t hesitate to explore more creative ways to use this delectable cut of meat in your kitchen.
Bone-In Chicken Thighs Recipes
Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs
This Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is ready to eat in just 35 minutes. When chicken thighs are roasted in the oven, they are so juicy with deliciously crispy skin.
These Broiled Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp skin. They’re an easy, economical recipe that your family will ask for again and again.
This simple Irish inspired meal is filled with bright green escarole and peas and is seasoned with caraway seed to complement the maltiness of the rich gravy.
This Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs recipe has tender chicken thighs with healthy vegetables roasted right along with the chicken. You can skip the gravy and drizzle the delicious, savory pan juices right over the chicken for a very easy, tasty dinner.
These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs are guaranteed to get rave reviews and recipe requests. They’re juicy on the inside and wrapped in tasty brown sugar-coated bacon on the outside!
This Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe makes the juiciest and most succulent chicken thighs you’ll ever all due to the tasty chicken thigh marinade.
General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout favorite that I’ve made a bit healthier. It’s just as spicy, sweet, and zesty as your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant makes it!
This coconut curry chicken soup is so satisfying and absolutely delicious. It’s fragrant, creamy and full of vegetables, the best warming antidote to brighten your day.
Crisp and spicy with tender meat inside, this Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwich recipe serves up delicious fried chicken coated with a hot honey sauce and topped with coleslaw and pickle slices on slider rolls.
Bursting with favor, this Easy Keto Sriracha Lime Chicken Recipe cooks quickly and is finished in a delicious garlic infused low-carb sauce that’s sweet and spicy, with hint of lime juice.
This Filipino Chicken Adobo is a quick yet incredibly delicious chicken recipe. Made with a few everyday ingredients, I’m sure this national dish of Philipines is going to become a family favorite.
This Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is ready to eat in just 35 minutes. When chicken thighs are roasted in the oven, they are so juicy with deliciously crispy skin.
These Broiled Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp skin. They’re an easy, economical recipe that your family will ask for again and again.
This Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner is made with chicken thighs, broccoli, squash, bell pepper, carrots, and a delicious marinade. It’s easy to make, and all made on a sheet pan.
This easy one pot chicken and rice recipe is made with real ingredients in either a dutch oven pot or cast iron skillet. Started on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this delicious Sunday dinner is one the whole family will love!
Ready in under 30 minutes, you’ll want to add these bacon-wrapped chicken thighs to your weeknight dinner rotation. Flavored with a delicious sweet and savory rub using brown sugar and paprika, this is a kid-friendly dinner.
This honey butter chicken is crispy, sweet, juicy, and tender, and comes together in 30 minutes! My favorite part about this chicken is that is not deep fried; it is shallowed fried, uses less oil, and is less heavy.
Discover spicy and delicious Thai gai pad cha with chicken; ours combines fresh green beans, root, and aromatic spices tossed in a spicy sweet homemade sauce.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Oregano Garlic Marinade
Juicy and full of flavour, these roasted chicken thighs are perfect for dinner or lunch. Marinted with oregano, garlic and lemon juices, the chicken is cooked in a pan and finished by roasting in the oven till perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Slow cooker chicken thighs with potatoes are perfect for your busy weeknight dinners. Place everything in the slow cooker, turn it on, few hours later your dinner is ready.
Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs with a Cayenne Kick
If you want a delicious and easy meal that will have your friends and family begging for more, then this slow cooker peach bbq chicken recipe is just what you need.
These easy Mexican chicken thighs have all of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one easy dish. This is a super easy and hassle-free dinner idea you’ll make regularly.
Create a sweet and savory entree using this recipe for Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken. You can pair it with a side of rice and your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots.
This recipe for apricot chicken uses a slow cooker for an easy weeknight dish. It's a sticky, sweet sesame chicken that pairs great with rice and broccoli or green beans.
The Best homemade honey garlic sauce drizzled over slow-cooked chicken is the perfect easy chicken dinner recipe. Serve it over fluffy rice with steamed greens!
This rustic slow cooker chicken cacciatore recipe is a perfect weeknight meal. With just seven ingredients plus herbs and spices, it comes together in a hurry!
A delicious chicken casserole made simple in the slow cooker. Delicious white wine and leeks makes the sauce deliciously rich, a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Slow Cooked Chicken Italian is a fabulously delicious recipe which is perfect for days when you don’t have time to cook. You just dump the ingredients and go!
This Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Thighs Recipe is so good and easy to make! The caribbean flavors of this dish is so great with a side of rice and vegetables.
This Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe makes the juiciest and most succulent chicken thighs you’ll ever all due to the tasty chicken thigh marinade.
Bring Korean BBQ home with this Korean kimchi chicken recipe. Chicken thighs are marinated in an Asian-style sauce with the flavors of kimchi, gochujang and soy. They are continuously basted with an amazing, flavorful sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill!
Sesame Soy Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs are a great budget friendly grilling recipe. Perfect for feeding a crowd at a BBQ. Chicken thighs are cooked in a sesame soy glaze.
Chicken thighs are marinated in a simple balsamic vinegar, honey and olive oil marinade. This chicken is deliciously tangy, slightly sweet, tender and juicy!
This cheap & easy marinade does hard work & you get the glory for SUPER flavorful & juicy Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken that cooks up in under 15 minutes!
These Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are an instant dinner classic. One of my personal favorite recipes they are easy to prep, quick to cook, and absolutely delicious.
Make the perfect Smoked Chicken Thighs every time by following my easy recipe! Using only 5 ingredients, including salt and pepper, this easy recipe for smoked chicken is ready in under 3 hours with 10 minutes of prep.
This creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe includes tender shredded buffalo chicken and pasta tossed in a cheesy and creamy buffalo sauce. It comes together in the Instant Pot (or another pressure cooker) using fresh, pre-cooked, or frozen chicken.
If your family is like mine, you are constantly looking for one-pot meals that are healthy. Meals that don't take a lot of time in the kitchen, but are full of amazing flavor.
These Instant Pot chicken thighs and potatoes are incredibly tender and flavorful! This one pot meal is easy to make, quick, and great as leftovers. These pressure cooker chicken thighs and potatoes are a meal that the whole family will love!
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is loaded with chunks of tender meat, onions, carrots, potatoes, celery in a tomato-based broth and topped with bacon. It is a quick one-pot dinner that's comforting, nourishing, and family-approved.
This chicken and rice instant pot recipe is one of the simplest weeknight dinner recipe you can think of. Made using homemade Cajun seasoning, this chicken and rice dinner fits well under your budget.
This Instant Pot Chicken Fricassee is a one-pot French classic of browned chicken pieces cooked and served in a creamy, velvety white mushroom sauce. The sauce is heavenly and the dish is rustic comfort food at its best.
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious one-pot meal that can be made in minutes! This dish is full of flavor and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I’m Jillian, the creator behind Food Folks and Fun. I have over 30 years of experience cooking for others. There’s nothing I love more than cooking for my family. Food is love, and cooking isn’t just putting a meal on a plate: It’s putting a little part of myself into that meal.
I gave the smoked chicken thigh recipe a try for dinner tonight and it was a savory success! Excited to give more of these a try; definitely looks too good to pass up!
I love this round-up. The kids loved chicken thighs so at least having these would make my meal planning great. Can’t wait to try the other recipes. Thanks!
This list is fantastic, plus your tips are so helpful. I made the Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole, and the whole family loved it! I’ll be referring to this post often, thank you!
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Wow! So many amazing recipes! We love chicken thighs, and are ready to get going on these!
Wow! What an incredible list. I love the variety of flavors and ways of cooking chicken thighs. Bookmarking for future reference.
I gave the smoked chicken thigh recipe a try for dinner tonight and it was a savory success! Excited to give more of these a try; definitely looks too good to pass up!
I love this round-up. The kids loved chicken thighs so at least having these would make my meal planning great. Can’t wait to try the other recipes. Thanks!
This list is fantastic, plus your tips are so helpful. I made the Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole, and the whole family loved it! I’ll be referring to this post often, thank you!