Are you looking for easy yet mouth-watering chicken thigh recipes to elevate your weeknight dinners? Chicken thighs are a versatile, budget-friendly, and flavorful option that can be the star of countless dishes. Here are seven delicious and easy chicken thigh recipes that will simplify your meals and leave everyone asking for seconds.
1. One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture until well coated.
- Arrange the thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.
2. Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side, basting with the remaining marinade until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
4. Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken thighs over medium-high heat until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
- Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
5. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
6. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
7. Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture until well coated.
- Arrange the thighs on a baking sheet, top with lemon slices, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serve with a side of your choice.
These seven chicken thigh recipes are perfect for simplifying your meal planning while still delivering delicious, flavorful dishes. Enjoy these easy and satisfying dinners with your family and friends!