Tender, juicy, flavorful chicken is way easier to make than you might think! This collection of the 26 Best Chicken Thigh Recipes will show you all kinds of ways to make it. From down-home chicken in gravy, to succulent Asian glazed goodness, you’ll find it all here!
All of the Ways to Cook Chicken, in One Place!
Chicken is always a staple on my weekly menu rotation, including chicken thighs. Whether boneless or bone-in, you can count on this affordable cut to stay tender and juicy, with less effort than ultra-lean chicken breast, and more versatility than drumsticks.
That’s why I’m eager to share this collection of easy, bold, and healthy chicken recipes. Each one is made with ingredients you can feel good about (and pronounce), and they’re guaranteed to turn out perfectly, even for less experienced cooks. Oh, and if you’ve ever thought that chicken was boring… well, be prepared for some surprises! These mouthwatering favorites are anything but that.
What Cooking Method Is Best for Chicken Thighs?
While some cuts of meat need a specific cooking style to shine, chicken thighs can be cooked in almost any way you can think of, and still turn out amazing. Whether you want to grill, bake, simmer, slow cook, pressure cook, or air fry, chicken thighs will work! This super unfussy ingredient is truly a busy cook’s best friend.
26 of the Best Chicken Thigh Recipes
Okay, let’s take a look at the recipes! If you see something that you like, be sure to click the link to check it out in more detail. You’ll find helpful tips and ingredient substitutions, and photo tutorials as well. Let’s do this! ?
Salt and Pepper Chicken
Sweet, spice, and flavored with fragrant Chinese five spice, this classic Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe is an easy takeout-style meal you can make at home!
Chicken Korma
Rich and flavorful Chicken Korma is an all-time favorite chicken curry recipe that’s easy to make at home.
Chicken Cacciatore
This is the quickest and easiest Chicken Cacciatore recipe around! Full of all of the flavor you love, cooked in one pot, and on your table in less than an hour.
Easy Bourbon Chicken
Everyone will love this sweet and savory chicken, swimming in a thick sauce made with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and bourbon.
Instant Pot Sticky Chicken Thighs
Tender, deliciously juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs prepared in the Instant Pot with a sweet and savory sticky sauce. A delicious chicken thighs recipe that’s easy to make and tastes amazing!
Air Fryer Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
These juicy marinated Air Fryer Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. They’re smothered with a sweet Asian glaze and then topped with crunchy sesame seeds and green onions.
Quick and Easy Coq Au Vin
Quick Coq Au Vin made with tender chicken in a sauce of wine, mushrooms, and bacon. It’s a rustic classic made easy and quick, but still loaded with authentic French flavor.
Spicy, Sweet and Sticky Chicken Thighs
Spicy, Sweet and Sticky Chicken Thighs – An easy and quick one skillet meal including sticky, tender and delicious chicken thighs rubbed with a homemade spice rub and brushed with an amazingly sweet honey sauce.
Instant Pot Chicken Pho
An easy Instant-Pot take on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, this recipe features fragrant spiced chicken broth, tender rice noodles, and juicy shredded chicken, with an array of garnish options.
Broiled Chicken Thighs
This Broiled Chicken Thighs recipe is glazed with a homemade sauce that has a secret ingredient. These chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and broiled to perfection – it’s one of our favorite easy dinners!
Storing and Reheating
While each recipe will have its own specific guidelines, in general, leftover chicken thighs store easily. Just cool them down, place them in airtight containers or food storage bags, and refrigerate for around 3 – 4 days.
Reheating is simple, too. Chicken thighs are much harder to dry out than other cuts of meat, so you can usually reheat them in a covered skillet, or in a 350°F oven until completely warmed through. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to heat than boneless.
Do Chicken Thighs Freeze Well?
For the most part, yes! While some creamy sauces and tender veggies can turn watery in the freezer, you can usually take the chicken meat itself and freeze it for 3 months or so. For the best results, cool the chicken thighs down and then take the meat off of the bones. Pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags, mark with the date, and use within 3 months.
