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Home » Chicken Recipes

29 Chicken Thigh Recipes That Are Better Than Breasts

Published: Sep 23, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Chicken thigh recipes are perfect for those looking to switch things up from the usual chicken breast. These thighs bring more flavor to the table and tend to stay juicy, no matter how you cook them. Whether you're after something quick for a weeknight or looking to impress without much effort, these recipes are great options. Forget any worries about dry, bland chicken – thighs bring the taste and texture that make every bite worth it.

Overhead image of chicken thigh marsala in a pan.
Chicken Thigh Marsala. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tender shredded chicken thighs come together with vegetables and thyme in this Instant Pot Chicken Stew. The pressure cooker makes it an efficient, hearty option for dinner, showcasing how chicken thighs can hold up to longer cooking times while remaining moist and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Close-up image of crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs use a simple spice mix that enhances the juicy texture of the meat. The air fryer ensures the skin becomes golden and crisp without drying out the thighs, making them a convenient and flavorful option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Creamy lemon chicken thighs on a black plate.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs combine garlic, white wine, and herbs for a meal that’s rich in flavor and satisfying. Chicken thighs hold up well in this creamy dish, offering a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the smooth sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

A shallow white bowl filled with a roasted chicken thigh, roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and orzo.
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs recipe pairs the tender meat with vegetables, feta cheese, and orzo for an easy meal. The thighs retain their moisture and richness, standing up well to the bold Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thigh Marsala

Overhead image of chicken thigh marsala in a pan.
Chicken Thigh Marsala. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Thigh Marsala features a rich combination of Marsala wine, mushrooms, thyme, and shallots. The natural tenderness of the thighs works well with the sauce, creating a dish where the meat doesn’t dry out or become overpowered by the bold ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thigh Marsala

Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey and lemon baked chicken thighs with parsley on top in a baking dish.
Honey Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Honey Baked Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a simple yet satisfying choice for a weeknight meal. The honey glaze enhances the thighs' natural richness without the risk of dryness, ensuring a tender bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in a white bowl with white rice, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

These Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The air fryer locks in moisture, proving how well chicken thighs can shine in this quick and easy recipe, while still maintaining their juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs in tomato sauce on a large white plate.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore features chicken thighs in a veggie-packed tomato sauce for a slow-cooked meal that’s full of flavor. The thighs become tender without losing their integrity, making them a perfect fit for this dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Chicken coated in seasoning on a plate with tomatoes.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Blackened Chicken Thighs cooked in the oven have a crispy exterior with a tender interior, highlighting the juicy quality of chicken thighs. This recipe is simple yet bold in flavor, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Crispy, brown-skinned chicken roasted with shallots and radishes on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes offers an easy-to-make meal where the thighs remain juicy, even in a high-temperature roast. The addition of roasted radishes complements the richness of the chicken, proving that thighs hold up to both quick cooking and strong flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gochujang Chicken Thighs, marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce, bring bold flavors to the table. The thighs' tenderness absorbs the vibrant marinade perfectly, making for a quick dinner with a lot of depth.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer on a white plate with white rice, a fork, and parsley.
Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer turn out juicy and flavorful, with minimal effort. The air fryer allows the thighs to crisp up while keeping the meat tender, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Overhead image of air fryer bbq chicken thighs with garnishes on a plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender and packed with flavor in under 30 minutes. The thighs’ natural juiciness is preserved in the air fryer, making them a quick, flavorful choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In just under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken gives you tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory glaze. The Instant Pot ensures the thighs stay juicy, making it an effortless, hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi-style

A photo of Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi with Dates and Olives for Passover.
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi-style. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Marbella, adapted from Ottolenghi, uses marinated thighs for a rich flavor profile. Whether you marinate for days or cook right away, the thighs stand up to the marinade and result in a moist, flavorful dish that holds up well to strong seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi-style

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs is a one-pan dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a rich sauce. The thighs’ tender texture holds up well in the creamy mixture, making it a quick, impressive meal with deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Overhead image of chicken and rice casserole on top of a wooden board.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken thighs with rice and melted cheese for a comforting dinner. The thighs maintain their juicy texture even when baked, making them a better choice for casseroles than chicken breasts, which can dry out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate.
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs balance sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, creating a meal that’s both easy and flavorful. The thighs stay moist throughout cooking, making them an excellent option for quick and flavorful dinners.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken thighs cooked in the Instant Pot with creamy onion gravy create a hearty meal. The pressure cooking keeps the thighs tender, while the gravy highlights the meat’s juicy texture, making for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs feature rich flavors in a one-pan dish that’s perfect for weeknights. The thighs retain their tenderness, absorbing the sun-dried tomato sauce without drying out, proving why they’re better for this type of recipe than breasts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Four bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with parsley garnish on white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs combine juicy chicken with crisp bacon for a satisfying dish. The thighs' natural juiciness pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon, creating a flavorful bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Bacon and Green Beans come together in just one pan. The thighs stay tender while cooking alongside the bacon, making this a quick and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Two plates of air fryer barbecue chicken thighs with mixed veggies.
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Thighs are seasoned with a quick rub and finished with a barbecue glaze. The air fryer ensures the thighs stay moist, proving they’re a better fit for this method than breasts, which could easily dry out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Champagne Chicken

An image of champagne chicken on a pan and a plate.
Champagne Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Champagne Chicken combines sparkling wine, cream, and mushrooms with tender chicken thighs, creating a dish that’s quick yet impressive. The thighs absorb the flavors without becoming dry, making them a great choice for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Chicken

Oven Baked Chicken with Creamy Onion Gravy

Close-up image of oven baked chicken with creamy onion gravy on a white plate.
Oven Baked Chicken with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven-baked chicken thighs with creamy onion gravy showcase the thighs’ ability to stay moist even after baking. Paired with the gravy, this recipe offers a hearty, comforting dinner option that proves thighs’ superiority in texture.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken and Cabbage Soup features tender chicken thighs with vegetables in a brothy base. The thighs hold their shape and stay juicy throughout cooking, making this a nourishing meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Chicken Fricassee

A white dish with chicken and peppers on it.
Chicken Fricassee. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken thighs simmered in a creamy white wine sauce create a dish that’s rich in flavor and tender in texture. The thighs’ ability to stay moist during cooking makes them a standout option for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Overhead image of slow cooker apricot chicken on a dish.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken features a sweet and savory sauce paired with tender chicken thighs. The thighs cook slowly, absorbing the flavors without losing their natural juiciness, creating a perfect balance in the dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Top view of air fryer boneless chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, coated in a honey mustard sauce, come together in no time. The air fryer helps maintain the thighs' juiciness, making this a perfect choice for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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