75 Chicken Thigh Recipes That Are Tender, Tasty, and Crowd-Pleasing
75 Chicken Thigh Recipes That Are Tender, Tasty, and Crowd-Pleasing
Winner, winner, chicken thighs for dinner! Is there any dish that isn't improved by the addition of chicken thighs? From classic chicken Parmesan to one-pot pastas, we can't help but throw in this tender staple whenever we can. It's beloved by each and every member of our families, it's filling, and it's just downright delicious.
That's why we're rounding up our all-time favorite chicken thigh recipes right here. Whether you're searching for an easy Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe you can "set and forget," a chicken soup recipe loaded with flavor, or something to satisfy all of your dinner party guests, we can practically guarantee you'll find the right recipe on our list. We've got barbecue-style chicken you can make right in your own oven (no grill required), an inspired peach-whiskey chicken that'll have all your friends begging for the recipe, and even dishes that work well at breakfast and brunch too (namely, our favorite chicken and waffles recipe).
What's more, we've made sure that each of the tasty meals on our list won't break the bank. They rely mainly on simple ingredients straight from your pantry—things you already have at home and have likely used in other family-favorite recipes.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking—and tasting—all this deliciousness.
One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
Who says you can't incorporate a few carbs into your favorite chicken thigh recipes? This pasta dish is one of our all-time favorite ways to use the protein.
Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs
After devouring this recipe, you might wonder why you ever bothered with any other part of the bird. These thighs are downright delectable.
Pasta with Mushrooms, Chicken, and Sun-dried Tomatoes
Penne, mushrooms, and juicy chicken thighs make up the base of this dreamy pasta.
Oven BBQ Chicken
Yes, you can really make fantastic barbecue-style chicken right in your own oven—no grill required.
Chipotle Honey Chicken and Waffle Sliders
What's more quintessentially Southern than chicken and waffles? This slider recipe makes eating them even more fun.
Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken
Fresh peaches and whiskey add intrigue. Olive oil and butter add tastiness. What more could you need?
Orange Chicken
Talk about a restaurant-quality recipe! This crowd-pleasing dish makes use of our favorite part of the bird.
Chicken With Tomatoes and Garlic
Don't expect a super-thick sauce after you cook up this chicken thigh recipe. It's intended to be more on the broth-y side.
Tom’s Trinidadian Chicken Curry
Chicken With Mushrooms and Artichokes
Sliced mushrooms and browned chicken come together beautifully in this luxurious weeknight dish. Don't forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Spice-Rubbed Grilled Chicken
As if chicken thighs weren't delicious enough all on their own! With this magical spice rub, their flavor is maximized and accentuated.
Chicken and Dressing Sheet Pan Supper
Chicken thighs, roasted veggies, and all the tastes of Thanksgiving on one pan? Sign us up.
Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Balsamic adds tangy flavor, honey adds sweetness, and the thighs themselves add an unbeatable tender texture.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
You can opt for either thighs or breasts when you make this fabulous weeknight meal. No matter what, your family will love it.
Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.
Creamy Paprika Chicken
Weeknight dinners just got way, way better. This paprika chicken has just enough creaminess to balance out the spice.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Crispy Balsamic Chicken
Talk about the ultimate fall recipe. This autumnal dish is crisp—just like the leaves outside.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Apricot Chicken
Sweet and savory for the win! A mixture of apricot preserves, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard brings the flavor of this dish to the next level.
Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
The sticky glaze on these thighs is so good, you'll be telling all your friends about it. (Or serving them seconds.)
Get the recipe from Delish.
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
If you love chicken cacciatore and saving time, this is the recipe for you. Only 10 minutes of hands-on time are required to make it.
Get the recipe at Creme de La Crumb.
Chicken Fricassee
Pour this sauce over the chicken in this dish—then pour it over, you know, everything else you eat this week.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Crock-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Veggies and protein round out this simple but delicious dish. It'll keep your family full!
Get the recipe at NeighborFood.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Garlic butter coats these baked chicken thighs in a layer of deliciousness. Need we say more?
Get the recipe at Delish.
Pineapple Chicken
Another sweet and savory favorite, this chicken recipe calls for a mix of both pineapple and peppers. Talk about a conversation starter!
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Skillet Chicken Piccata
A one-pan dish flavored with fresh herbs and citrus sounds pretty good right about now. We think your family would agree.
Get the recipe at Delish.
One-Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice
Bold flavors and a quick cook time. That's what you'll get if you opt for this delicious Spanish chicken and rice recipe.
Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.
Ranch Chicken Thighs with Rice
It's no surprise we're fans of this dish. We'd put ranch dressing on everything if we could.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
The best thing about thighs? They're juicy and tender—even if you cook them in the oven.
Get the recipe at Jo Cooks.
Balsamic Basil Chicken
This balsamic basil chicken is loaded with color and texture. It also happens to be ready in 30 minutes or less.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Moroccan Chicken and Olive Tagine
Loaded with prunes and olives, this dish practically screams "flavorful." Onions, garlic, and ginger add to the appeal.
Get the recipe at Skinny Taste.
Garlicky Greek Chicken
Calling all garlic lovers: You're not going to want to let another day go by without trying this flavor-packed recipe.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Easy Honey Lemon Chicken
Give us a recipe with "easy" in the title, and we're satisfied. This one exceeds our expectations by tasting delicious too.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Garlicky Bourbon Chicken
The secret ingredient to this restaurant-quality dish? Bourbon!
Get the recipe at Delish.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Love hosting guests at your home? You'll want to memorize the recipe for this classic dip.
Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
Skillet Chicken With Bacon and White Wine Sauce
Crispy and saucy aren't words usually used together. But when it comes to describing this Instagram-ready recipe, they work just fine.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Braised Chicken Thighs
These thighs taste even better than they look. And they look really, really good.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Chipotle Chicken Fajita Soup
Yes, it's all the things you love about chicken fajitas—in a soup! Here's a recipe you can truly "set and forget."
Get the recipe at Tastes Better From Scratch.
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs
Whip the ingredients for this recipe up right before cooking, or let it sit for a while in a marinade. It's all up to you and how much time you've got.
Get the recipe at She Wears Many Hats.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
There's a reason this recipe is so well-reviewed! Give us a "crispy" chicken recipe that doesn't involve frying, and we'll be in heaven.
Get the recipe at The Salty Marshmallow.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Here's a recipe you don't have to taste to appreciate. One whiff of the cooking aroma, and you'll be sold.
Get the recipe at The View From Great Island.
Sheet Pan Garlic Ginger Chicken & Broccoli
This is undoubtedly a back pocket recipe. It's perfect for a weekday lunch or a Sunday night supper alike.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Chicken Corn Chowder
Filling chowder and juicy chicken thighs make this soup a favorite. It's just the thing to sip on a cold night.
Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are "seared to perfection" in this decadent dish, then served with a creamy sauce. Grated Parmesan is a must.
Get the recipe at Julia's Album.
Spinach and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs
"Healthy" doesn't have to mean boring. These cheese-stuffed thighs, loaded with both greens and healthy fats, prove that.
Get the recipe at Jo Cooks.
Jerk Chicken Thighs With Avocado Mango Salsa
Heat gets balanced out by creaminess and sweetness in this fun dish. It's essentially two recipes in one.
Get the recipe at The Chunky Chef.
One-Skillet Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken and Orzo
Since orzo's included in this recipe, it's practically a complete meal in one pan. Goat cheese, walnuts, basil, and honey add to the appeal.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
With just five minutes of prep time, this recipe is up next on our bucket list. Plus, few things are not improved with the addition of garlic butter.
Get the recipe at Budget Bytes.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
We can practically smell this dish already! The flavors of olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme have our mouths watering before we've even cooked it.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Honey-Sriracha Chicken with Broccoli
Sweet, meet savory! This inspired dish pairs the best of both worlds with intense results.
Get the recipe at Delish.
SHOP SKILLETS
Sticky Bourbon Chicken With Rice
Recipes with built-in sides always win us over. It helps that this one is extra delicious.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken With Asparagus
Five ingredients and very little time is all it takes to make this one-pan dinner. We'll just have to hope there's enough for seconds.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs
Served with a charred lemon salsa verde and a side of asparagus, this recipe is bound to make your weeknights a whole lot tastier.
Chicken Stew
Had a long day? Make this stew, which calls for easy-to-source ingredients and barely any elbow grease.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Hawaiian Chicken Tacos With Jalape?o Ranch Slaw
The thighs in this recipe are accompanied by all the fresh flavors of Hawaiian tacos. Best of all, the entire recipe comes together in your Instant Pot.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
"Scrumptious" might be the only word to describe this recipe. A sweet-and-spicy sauce seals the deal.
Get the recipe at Jo Cooks.
Creamy Lemon Chicken with Wild Rice
Lemon sauce makes everything better—namely, the tender thighs in this recipe.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Crispy Chicken Carnitas
Prep the chicken for this recipe right in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Then, add tortillas for a near-instant taco dinner.
Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
Fiesta Ranch Cream Cheese Chicken
If ever there were a recipe name that made us stop in our tracks, this is it. Who knew ranch seasoning and cream cheese were a match made in heaven?
Get the recipe at Carlsbad Cravings.
Chicken in a Hurry
We don't know about you, but we're totally sold on the name of this recipe. With sweet and tangy flavors, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe at Jo Cooks.
Greek Chicken Wraps
Who says your thighs have to sit lonely on the plate? With this inspired recipe, they'll be accompanied by a host of delicious Greek flavors.
Get the recipe at Slow Cooker Gourmet.
One-Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner
Welcome the autumn season with this no-fuss dinner. It's easy to make and easier to clean up.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Mediterranean Chicken
Hearty and healthy is an unlikely combination. But this chicken dish—made with olives, onions, and red peppers—actually fits both bills.
Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.
Skillet Lemon Dill Chicken Thighs
The blogger behind this genius recipe calls it the "speediest" chicken dinner around. And since it takes just 30 minutes start to finish, we'd be inclined to believe her.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
There are few things heartier than chicken and potatoes. This dish is full of rich flavor, too, thanks to a combination of rosemary, lemon, and basil.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Slow Cooker Maple and Dijon Chicken and Broccoli
A one-pot meal that comes together just 10 minutes—now, that's magical.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Chicken and rice is a classic for a reason. And with this easy-to-make recipe, it'll be on your table in half the time.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Coconut Milk Braised Chicken Thighs
Comforting and warming, this dish also happens to be healthy. That's a combination we can't help but love.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Jerk Chicken Thighs
How good does this look? Jerk chicken pairs with just about any side dish—and appeals to just about every dinner guest too.
Get the recipe at Cooking and Beer.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Yes, you can cook up chicken parm in a slow cooker! And to make things even more interesting, this blogger adds pasta to the mix.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Creamy and decadent, this Tuscan-inspired chicken dinner is a winner in our books. And since it all comes together in your slow cooker, there's very little elbow grease required.
Get the recipe at Kristine's Kitchen.
One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo
We give you: the perfect winter dinner! Quick and warming, this one-skillet dish cooks up faster than your family can ask for it.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Garlic Herb Vinaigrette
Add this sheet pan supper to your recipe book ASAP! It's as filling as it is nice to look at.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Skillet Mushroom Chicken Thighs
We love a good, old-fashioned creamy chicken and mushrooms dish. This one, which comes together in one pan, is a much-needed upgrade on the classic.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Rosted Garlic Butter Chicken
Classic roast chicken, step aside! This herb and garlic-seasoned upgrade, accompanied by a tangy dressing, is our new go-to.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Lemon Butter Chicken
Crisp-tender chicken and an ultra-creamy lemon butter sauce will have you in heaven. Just make sure you have some bread around to sop up the extra sauce.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Roasted Chicken Thighs With Garlic
Classic and delicious, you won't be able to make this recipe just once. Tender, juicy thighs pair nicely with a savory garlic sauce.
Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
We're in heaven just looking at these recipes.