If You Haven’t Tried These 40 Chicken Thigh Recipes, You’re Missing Out

Chicken thigh recipes are the way to go when you want big flavor without the extra effort. They’re juicy, cook up perfectly every time, and work with just about anything. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or something great for the weekend, these recipes prove that chicken thighs are the real star of the kitchen.

A cooked chicken thigh next to roasted asparagus and baby potatoes on a white plate.

Honey Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

This maple Dijon chicken sheet pan meal keeps dinner simple while packing in bold flavor. Juicy chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and roasted veggies make this a great choice for an easy, all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole layers tender chicken thighs with creamy mushroom sauce and perfectly cooked rice. With melted cheese on top, this is a go-to comfort meal that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Curry Chicken

Chicken thighs on a white plate with parsley. — Curry Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Curry chicken simmers juicy chicken thighs in a rich, spiced sauce for a hearty meal. The thighs stay tender and soak up every bit of flavor, making this a great choice for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken

Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado marinates chicken thighs in citrus, onion, and spices for bold, juicy bites. Whether grilled or baked, this recipe brings big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

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.

This chicken and cabbage soup is a simple, one-pot meal packed with tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables. It’s a filling dinner that’s both easy to make and great for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pairs juicy thighs with a rich, flavorful sauce in one pan. This quick recipe makes dinner easy while keeping cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board. — Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked chicken al pastor delivers deep, bold flavor with a smoky marinade and juicy texture. Paired with pineapple, these thighs prove that chicken can be anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken thighs turn a few simple ingredients into a crispy, juicy dish. With minimal prep, this easy recipe delivers big results.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans. — Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans cook together on a single sheet pan. It’s a stress-free meal with wholesome ingredients and no extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Honey Lemon Chicken

Slow cooker honey lemon chicken makes dinner effortless with tangy citrus and tender thighs. Just set it and forget it for a flavorful, hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Chicken

Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken

Roasted chicken thighs with butternut squash, cauliflower, and rice on a plate. — Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sheet pan chicken thighs in maple curry sauce bring the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors. This one-pan meal makes weeknights easier without sacrificing great taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken

Chicken Fricassee

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

Chicken thighs in a creamy white wine sauce create a rich, comforting meal. Fresh herbs and vegetables make this dish come together in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

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

Honey-baked chicken thighs take just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. The natural sweetness makes them a great choice for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air fryer shawarma chicken thighs come out juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner. Pair them with rice or vegetables, and dinner is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle

Teriyaki Chicken with asparagus on a white plate with a fork. — Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Teriyaki chicken thighs on the Blackstone griddle turn out juicy and flavorful in under 20 minutes. With just two ingredients, this is a great recipe for meal prep or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle

Chicken Cacciatore

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

Slow-cooked chicken thighs in a tomato-based sauce make a hearty, no-fuss dinner. Serve over pasta for an easy meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air fryer buffalo chicken thighs use just two ingredients for a bold, juicy dish. The buffalo sauce brings a kick, making this a great choice for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot honey garlic chicken thighs cook in about 30 minutes for a fast, flavorful dinner. It’s an easy way to get homemade chicken on the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Ginger Chicken

Honey ginger chicken thighs balance sweet and savory flavors with a touch of spice. This quick recipe is great for busy weeknights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Honey Ginger Chicken

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Chicken kathi rolls wrap marinated, pan-seared thighs in soft roti with spiced onions and chutney. This handheld meal brings bold flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Sticky Thai Chicken

Sticky Thai chicken thighs come together in 30 minutes, packed with bold, balanced flavors. It’s an easy way to enjoy takeout-style taste at home without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot chicken stew simmers shredded thighs with vegetables and herbs for a comforting meal. With most of the time being hands-off, dinner is simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Blackened chicmen thighs in a white dish. — Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened chicken thighs bring bold seasoning and a juicy bite, making them a versatile option. Whether served in a salad, sandwich, or wrap, they add great flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Juicy thighs and a rich sauce make this a great choice for a quick, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet chicken thighs with bacon and green beans cook in one pan for easy cleanup. In under 20 minutes, you have a great dinner with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon. — Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green chile chicken turns shredded chicken thighs into a quick, flavorful meal. Made in just one skillet, it’s perfect for using up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken made in the Instant Pot combines marinated chicken thighs with a rich, spiced sauce. This Indian-inspired dish cooks in under 40 minutes for an easy homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Two crispy chicken thighs surrounded by lemon slices, mini sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes. — Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This lemon chicken tray bake brings together juicy chicken thighs, roasted vegetables, and bright citrus. Everything cooks in one pan for a low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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 bring together sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. This quick dish makes dinner easy while keeping every bite juicy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper 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 deliver juicy chicken and flavorful veggies in one pan. Thighs stay tender while roasting at high heat for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

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.

Mediterranean chicken thighs cook with fresh vegetables for a balanced, flavorful dish. Served with feta cheese and orzo, it’s a simple meal with great texture.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken pairs crispy thighs with a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. In just 40 minutes, you get a hearty meal that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board. — Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer fried chicken gives you a crispy crust and juicy inside with less oil. It’s a mess-free way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake combines tender thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. This simple recipe comes together in 30 minutes for an easy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Creamy lemon chicken thighs mix garlic, white wine, and herbs into a smooth, flavorful sauce. The thighs stay juicy, making this a great meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast iron chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a simple way to get big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs

Air fryer shake 'n bake chicken thighs deliver crispy, juicy bites in under 20 minutes. It’s a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice texture or flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang chicken thighs soak up a spicy-sweet marinade for bold flavor. They cook quickly, making them a great choice for an easy, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken coats juicy thighs in a thick, sweet, and tangy glaze. This recipe proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs combine crispy bacon with juicy dark meat for a simple but flavorful dish. Every bite is packed with great texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs