We're making a case for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Why? We'll say it—we think they're all around better than boneless, skinless chicken breasts! The reason? Chicken thighs have just a little more fat, and as we all know, fat = flavor. Plus, is there anything more delicious than crispy chicken skin? If you're looking for crazy good flavor and texture, or if you just need to switch up your chicken dinner rotation, try cooking with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts! We promise: You won't be disappointed.
If you're looking to delve into the delicious world of chicken thighs, look no further. From summer recipes to eat in the sun to warming, cozy soups and curries to settle into when the cold weather comes in, these delicious recipes are meant to be enjoyed all year long. Unsure of how to cook chicken thighs? No stress! We've included our best tips and tricks to ensure your main protein is perfectly juicy with unbelievably crispy skin every single time.
The best part about many of these recipes? They couldn't be faster or easier! From slow-cooker life-savers to air-fryer dreams to sheet-pan heroes, these recipes will save you time AND cleanup on those busy weeknights. While many of these skillet dishes are complete all on their own (dinner and sides in one!), these recipes also go perfectly with a variety of easy vegetable sides or fluffy rice to sop up all of the irresistible sauces.
So what are you waiting for? Switch up your weeknight routine with these chicken thigh recipes. Fair warning: You may never go back to chicken breasts!
Honey Mustard Chicken
The combo of Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and spicy jalapeño all tossed in a sweet honey mustard sauce are sure put this in your weeknight chicken dinner rotation.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Japanese chicken karaage is basically fried chicken, but with a twist (the meat is seasoned, then coated with flour). The word karaage (pronounced kah-raa-geh) refers to the Japanese method of frying, and these double-fried bites couldn't be more deliciously cripsy!
Braised Chicken Thighs
These braised chicken thighs are no joke. They’re super flavorful, fall-off-the-bone tender, and thankfully you only need ONE pan to make them! We love to serve these thighs over fluffy white rice to soak up that delicious sauce, but we also think this would go great with some bok choy or roasted asparagus.
Get the Braised Chicken Thighs recipe.
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
This comforting soup is sort of like an earthy version of chicken noodle soup. Wild rice brings some subtle floral, smoky flavors, while bone-in chicken thighs provide enough fat and flavor for a rich homemade stock. Topped with crispy chicken skin "croutons", we dare you to find a meal that can ward off the blustery cold like this one.
Get the Chicken & Wild Rice Soup recipe.
One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa
We love the Tex-Mex spices in this easy healthy dinner; the chili powder and cayenne add a nice kick that the avocado and sour cream perfectly offset. Of course, feel free to use a little less of either spice if you prefer.
Get the One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa recipe.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs
The best part of the sweet glaze in this recipe? There's no need to cook anything—just whisk the ingredients together! Serve with some steamed rice or grilled corn and you've got a perfect, easy summer dinner.
Get the Grilled Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Chicken Curry Laksa with Shrimp
Laksa paste is a type of curry paste traditionally found in Southeast Asian cuisine, best known as the flavorful base for the rich and spicy coconut broth soup. In this recipe, shredded chicken thighs are paired with spicy shrimp, tofu puffs, and a jammy, soft-boiled egg.
Chicken Tikka Alfredo
This recipe marries two of our favorite creamy comfort foods, spicy chicken tikka masala and rich, garlicky fettuccine Alfredo. This match made in heaven is a creamy, unique dish that will be ready to serve up in just over an hour!
Get the Chicken Tikka Alfredo recipe.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Is there anything more comforting than a chicken & rice casserole? We actually don't think so. It's the type of recipe we turn to time after time again during the fall and winter, just like roast chicken or our tortellini soup.
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
The star of this popcorn chicken dish? The complex, delicious spice mix: five-spice heightened with some white pepper, Sichuan peppercorn, onion powder, and mildly spicy gochugaru.
Get the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken recipe.
Keto Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream Sauce
We're amping up juicy, crispy chicken thighs in this keto dinner by cooking them in bacon fat and topping them in a mushroom Parmesan cream sauce. Bacon, mushrooms, cheese—need we say more?
Get the Keto Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream Sauce recipe.
Chicken Caesar Salad
You can't go wrong when it comes to a chicken Caesar salad, but if you ask us, this one puts all the others to shame. With a rich, tangy dressing, tender, roasted chicken thighs, crunchy croutons, and a snowfall of freshly grated Parm, this dish is nothing short of life-changing.
Get the Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.
Easy Chicken & Dumplings
This easy recipe is perfect on a cold night when you just need a bowl of creamy comfort food, but it's also simple enough to make when you don't feel like making anything. If you want an even easier route, we have the perfect slow-cooker version too!
Get the Easy Chicken & Dumplings recipe.
Balsamic Basil Chicken
This is the perfect weeknight dinner. After marinating the chicken, everything—including the veggie side!—comes together in one pan in less than 30 minutes. Call it another skillet chicken dinner win!
Get the Balsamic Basil Chicken recipe.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Butter makes everything better—especially when it’s mixed with lemon zest, thyme, and oregano, then slathered on baked chicken.
Jamaican Curry Chicken
If you’re craving that comforting chicken curry flavor that keeps you coming back for seconds and want to punch up the heat, this recipe is for you. Serve with some easy white or coconut rice, and wham, you’ll have a whole new spice for life.
Get the Jamaican Curry Chicken recipe.
Braised Lemongrass-Chili Chicken
Gà Kho Xả Ởt, which translates to braised lemongrass-chili chicken, is a juicy chicken recipe that will instantly transport you to Vietnam through the flavors of lemongrass, chiles, and garlic.
Chicken Shawarma
The secret to our fave homemade chicken shawarma? Marinate the chicken thighs overnight to infuse it with a mixture of shawarma spices, then roast it in the oven until it’s tender, juicy perfection.
Get the Chicken Shawarma recipe.
Classic Coq Au Vin
Coq au vin (or rooster with wine) is a classic French dish that isn't as complicated as it sounds. Chicken is braised in a silky wine sauce and finished off with butter for the most perfect sauce. Use a nice red wine here—even better if it's from Burgundy!
Get the Classic Coq Au Vin recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Turns out the absolute best way to achieve the crispiest skin on chicken thighs is using your air fryer! The quick cook time achieves the crispiest, juiciest chicken that we devoured in mere minutes.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Taylor Worden is Delish's Assistant Digital Food Producer, where she creates recipe galleries, recipe updates and more. She was previously a freelance editor on the food team for Good Housekeeping, where she also contributed entertainment and culture pieces as a freelance writer. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism and a lifelong love of writing. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, testing out a new pasta recipe, or rewatching one of her favorite shows.
