Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for grilling, shredding or simmering in a slow cooker. These top-rated chicken thigh recipes will teach you how to load 'em into a stew or smother them in a satisfying sauce.
43 of Our Best Chicken Thigh Recipes
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/43
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Hawaiian-inspired grilled chicken thighs are addictively sweet and savory. After a simple marinade, the chicken is seared on the grill. “Huli” means “to turn,” and as the thighs cook, you’ll turn them often, brushing with more delicious sauce. Serve with your favorite barbecue side dish.
2/43
Thai Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This mouth-watering chicken tastes as good as Thai takeout but is easy to make in the slow cooker. Spicy peanut sauce (made with items you’ve already got in your pantry) sets the dish apart.
3/43
Greek Chicken Bake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As soon as the weather turns cold, I know it's time to pull out this go-to recipe. I assemble it in the morning, then put it in the oven just before dinner. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Want to make this sheet pan dinner extra quick? Assemble the chicken in the morning and pop the tray into the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply turn on the oven and slide it in—easy!
Can’t enough of the Greek flavors? Check out these Greek Easter recipes perfect for all of your celebrations.
4/43
Fiery Sweet Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish combines my love of spicy Thai food with a sweet, almost barbecue-like sauce. You can't beat the slow-cooker convenience! —Eve Gray, Marietta, Georgia
A sweet barbecue-style sauce balances the spicy heat of the chiles in this Thai-inspired recipe. Cooking for a crowd? Dial down the heat by reducing the red chili paste in the slow cooker; spice lovers can add a bit directly into their bowls.
5/43
Slow-Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
This cozy, creamy chicken dish is a classic for a reason. It’s especially satisfying on a wintry night. Since it’s made in the slow cooker, the cooking time is mostly hands-off, but you do need to add the mushrooms toward the end of cooking, so plan your schedule accordingly.
6/43
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia
Seasoned with southwestern-inspired spices, this slow-cooker chicken dish is versatile. Serve the full thighs with rice and a fresh salad for a dressier meal, or shred the meat and serve alongside tortillas and taco fillings.
7/43
Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I just love this black pepper chicken recipe, and the aroma is out of this world! The dish is slightly sweet and very peppery, so you may want to serve it over white or brown rice to tame the heat. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
A kick of pepper adds an exclamation point to this saucy stir-fry. Using boneless skinless thighs results in super-juicy chicken. Feel free to add veggies to the pan; mushrooms, water chestnuts, chopped broccoli or sliced scallions would be delicious.
8/43
Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry Dinner
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
This easy one-pan dinner features deliciously seasoned chicken and vegetables. While cauliflower is a natural match with the curry spice, you may swap in other veggies, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, winter squash or red potatoes.
9/43
Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer chicken thighs recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This simple, tasty chicken thigh recipe is a great template. You can easily adjust the spices to suit a variety of cuisines: Swap in curry powder for an Indian-inspired dish, garlic and Italian seasoning for a great pasta topper or smoky Ancho chiles for a southwestern-inspired plate.
10/43
Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe brings the restaurant to my home kitchen. And it’s easy, too! The meal comes together quickly and fills my kitchen with wonderful aromas. If there are any leftovers, with a quick reheat the next day, they’re just as good!. —Kathi Jones-DelMonte Rochester, NY
Coconut lovers, rejoice! Here’s a savory dinner recipe that showcases the sweet, creamy richness of coconut milk. This tasty curry—not too spicy and studded with sweet mangos and fresh basil—will appeal to even the less adventurous eaters in the family.
11/43
Peanut Butter Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on a bed of rice, this saucy chicken skillet from Karen Holland of Winnipeg, Manitoba, will quickly become one of your favorites.
12/43
Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing Waffles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
A twist on the southern favorite of chicken and waffles, this meal makes a delightful breakfast for dinner. The crispy chicken thighs may be deep-fried in a skillet or cooked in an air fryer.
13/43
Moroccan Apricot Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili sauce, apricots and Moroccan seasoning create an incredible sauce for slow-cooked chicken thighs. Traditional Moroccan apricot chicken typically includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
This top-rated chicken dinner won our Recipe of the Year in 2021! It’s a great way to try aromatic Moroccan flavors, which playfully balance sweet, savory and tart. While you may need to pick up ras el hanout seasoning, the other ingredients are likely in your pantry already.
14/43
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Make this simple baked chicken recipe once, and you’ll discover a new back-pocket recipe for weeknight dinners all year round. The easy, lemony marinade requires only 30 minutes to season the chicken, and it doubles as a sauce.
15/43
Chicken Spareribs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These inexpensive chicken thighs get all gussied up in a zippy sparerib-style sauce that's irresistible —Janice Porterfield, Atlanta, Texas
Love spareribs but want to lighten things up? Try this sweet, smoky sparerib-inspired sauce on chicken. All the cooking, from browning to braising, happens in one pot—it’s one of our favorite Dutch oven chicken thigh recipes.
16/43
Deviled Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
The zippy flavors of deviled eggs—mustard, paprika and vinegar—taste just as good on chicken! To balance the bright flavors of the sauce, the chicken breading includes both bread crumbs and rich, slightly sweet cashews.
17/43
Chicken Mole
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
This mole sauce contains a surprising ingredient: chocolate. The deep, earthy flavor of the chocolate grounds the bright tomato sauce, which is fragrant with cinnamon, cumin and ancho and chipotle chiles. The classic Mexican dish is tasty on its own or served with rice, beans and tortillas.
18/43
Za’atar Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
Sweet, spicy and fragrant, this is the chicken recipe to make when you want to experiment with za’atar. The stew pot will smell delicious thanks to the addition of dried fruits, olives, cumin and oregano. Don’t like olives? Swap in capers or skip.
19/43
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
This cozy, homey dish is one you’ll want to make for Sunday suppers. In cool months, serve with mashed potatoes and peas; when it’s warm, pair with boiled red potatoes and a favorite spring vegetable.
20/43
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
One of our most popular chicken recipes ever, this simple sheet pan recipe is one to add to your repertoire. It’s a true one-pan meal that’s both comforting and fresh. Start with a base of seasoned potatoes and onions, top with paprika-dashed chicken thighs (whose juices flavor the veggies as they cook), and add fresh spinach toward the end of cooking.
21/43
Creamy Chicken Thighs & Noodles
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
The easiest possible way to get dinner on the table? A slow-cooker dump dinner recipe. Simply pop the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, turn it on and go about your day. At night, a tender, tasty meal awaits.
22/43
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
This top-rated chicken dinner is one of our quickest, from prep to table in about 30 minutes. A creamy green side dish even cooks in the same pan. Serve over a bed of rice as a base.
23/43
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Homemade chicken soup is a recipe everyone should know. It’s the best food when you’ve got a cold, or when you just are very, very cold. This recipe is classic and simple, but you can use it as a springboard for making other soups, like egg and lemon soup.
24/43
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs makes this roast supper bake quickly. Think of the recipe as a starting point. You can swap the red potatoes and peppers with almost any veggies in the kitchen, and switch the herbs with any fresh favorites you have on hand.
25/43
Sheet-Pan Tandoori Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas
Marinating chicken in yogurt tenderizes the chicken (thanks to the acid) and imparts a bright flavor. It’s a perfect match for the Indian-inspired seasonings in this simple recipe. Serve with rice or flatbreads.
26/43
New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
This casserole puts a New England spin on the French dish, adding cranberries, baked beans and rosemary to the pot. The result is every bit as delicious as the original, but it also happens to be a healthy casserole.
27/43
Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
This sweet and savory chicken dinner celebrates the flavors of fall. Layer chicken thighs over sliced acorn squash and carrots in a 13×9-inch pan, allowing the juices to season the veggies. Serve with cornbread or crescent rolls.
28/43
Chili Sauce Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili sauce, with plenty of garlic and basil, flavors these moist chicken thighs. We enjoy this tender grilled chicken not just in the summer, but throughout the year. —Marilyn Waltz, Idyllwild, California
There’s no rule that prohibits grilling all year round! This spicy, garlicky chicken is an obvious match with summer foods like corn on the cob, but it’s also the perfect tangy main dish to enliven winter foods like mashed potatoes and stewed greens.
29/43
30/43
Cassoulet for Today
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
An easy version of cassoulet—is it possible? This recipe makes good use of the slow cooker to draw out complex flavors in less time. It also lightens up the classic, swapping duck confit for chicken thighs. The added bacon and sausage lend plenty of richness and flavor. Don’t skip the bread crumb topping, which nicely offsets the tender dish.
31/43
Greek Lemon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken recipe is so full of flavor! The lemon and oregano flavors shine in this simple dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a side salad. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
32/43
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
The secret to this sweet, saucy chicken? Jazzing up store-bought barbecue sauce with mustard, Worcestershire and honey. The result is an ideal party potluck dish or an alternative to grilling any time of year.
33/43
Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
It’s easy to make teriyaki chicken, a restaurant-inspired favorite, at home. A low-and-slow cook in the slow cooker ensures a rich, complex sauce. Serve with rice to complete the meal.
34/43
Garden Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Like many of our favorite Italian recipes, this rich chicken in tomato sauce proves that simple flavors can be the best. While the final dish is fancy enough to serve at a dinner party, it’s also easy enough to prepare before a busy workday—simply let the slow cooker do the work all day long.
35/43
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
This rich, vegetable-forward southwestern stew is sure to delight diners of all ages. Serve with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
36/43
Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My “pickatarian” child is choosy but willing to eat this chicken glazed with apple juice and thyme. I dish it up with mashed potatoes and green beans. —Kerry Picard, Spokane, Washington
This elegant chicken dinner is very kid-friendly thanks to a sweet applesauce glaze. Serve with green beans, mashed potatoes or any vegetable that is acceptable to the fussiest eater.
37/43
Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
While sliders are a winning choice for a potluck appetizer, they also make a five-star dinner. Serve the sandwiches with slaw and watch your family dinner finish in record time.
38/43
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
This popular chicken recipe only calls for five ingredients—four of which are seasonings. The sweet-and-spicy mustard sauce is a crowd-pleaser. While you can grill the chicken, as suggested, it’s also delicious baked.
39/43
Cornflake Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered it to make the prep easier. The result was this moist oven-fried cornflake chicken with a thick golden coating that's a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini, Boynton Beach, Florida
Mimic the savory, crispy taste of fried chicken, no deep-frying required! This simple recipe calls for breading chicken thighs in a seasoned cornflake mixture and baking in a hot oven. Serve with cornbread for a homey meal.
40/43
Easy Coq au Vin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love being able to fix a fancy gourmet dish in such a short amount of time and still have it turn out so delicious. To reduce fat, use chicken tenderloin pieces or skinless chicken breasts. This recipe is really fabulous served with rice. —Judy VanCoetsem, Cortland, New York
42/43
Squash & Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This cozy Crockpot chicken soup doesn’t rely on heavy dairy or rich ingredients for its flavor. Instead, butternut squash thickens and sweetens the stew as it cooks, while green peppers, tomatoes and parsley make for a colorful, light dish. Serve with couscous or rice.
43/43
Greek Orzo Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your first bite and set sail for a dinner-table tour of the sunny Greek isles. Sprinkle lemon zest on top to give it a little extra flair. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Orzo is a tiny pasta shape popular in Greek recipes. While it’s delicious—like a cross between a grain and a noodle—you can swap in couscous, rice or another grain if you prefer.
