Winner, winner, chicken thighs for dinner! If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a juicier, more flavorful chicken dinner, then it’s time to embrace the dark side—chicken thighs! With a touch more fat and a whole lot of flavor, chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of weeknight cooking. Whether you’re baking, braising, grilling, or frying, these versatile cuts always deliver succulent, mouthwatering results that will have you wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
Say goodbye to dry, lackluster chicken dinners and hello to the tender, flavorful goodness of chicken thighs. From budget-friendly meals to easy weeknight dinners, these chicken thigh recipes are here to elevate your cooking game. Whether you prefer them crispy, juicy, or fall-off-the-bone tender, we’ve got the perfect recipe to showcase the delicious potential of this often overlooked cut of chicken.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 1 A mouthwatering Hawaiian grilled chicken dish, bursting with flavors of succulent meat, served on a plate adorned with juicy pineapples and vibrant tomatoes. Perfect for a romantic date night.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/barbeque_hawaiian_chicken.jpg)
This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken is so easy. It’s a delicious combination of chicken, BBQ sauce, pineapple, and more. Chicken is a neutral-tasting option and suits all kinds of flavors, so pairing it with Hawaiian ingredients works perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Incredible Buffalo Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 2 Incredible Buffalo Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Incredible-Buffalo-Chicken-Thighs-Incredible.jpg)
Buffalo Chicken Thighs are perfectly spiced, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, perfect for Buffalo wing lovers who want more of a meal!
Get the Recipe: Incredible Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Skillet Pineapple BBQ Chicken
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 3 Skillet Pineapple BBQ Chicken.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Skillet-Pineapple-BBQ-Chicken-drizzle.jpg)
A quick pan sauce drenches tender chicken thighs and thick pineapple slices in this easy Skillet Pineapple BBQ Chicken.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Baked Chicken Thighs In Cast Iron Skillet
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 4 Baked Chicken Thighs In Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Baked-Chicken-Thighs-In-Cast-Iron-Skillet.jpg)
These cast iron skillet chicken thighs are so easy and absolutely delicious way to get crispy skin and juicy chicken, every time you make it!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs In Cast Iron Skillet
Lemon Garlic Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 5 Lemon Garlic Recipe For Crock Pot Chicken Thighs](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lemon_Garlic_Recipe_For_Crock_Pot_Chicken_Thighs.jpg)
Let’s dive right into a recipe for Crockpot Chicken Thighs that I have come to love. Loaded with lemon, garlic, and butter, this is one stand-out weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 6 Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Skillet-Lemon-Garlic-Chicken-Thighs.jpg)
These Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are easy to make and great for easy weeknight meals and entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Butter Chicken (Slow Cooker)
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 7 Butter Chicken (Slow Cooker).](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/slow-cooker-butter-chicken-11.jpg)
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with coconut milk has tender, moist chicken in a creamy, savory sauce that’s packed with authentic Indian flavor! Serve it up with rice or naan bread!
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken (Slow Cooker)
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 8 Tandoori Chicken Thighs Recipe.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tandoori-chicken-thighs-recipe.jpg)
These tandoori chicken thighs are bursting with Indian flavors. Marinated in yogurt and seasoned with spices, they come out wonderfully tender and juicy!
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken Thighs
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 9 Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/brown-sugar-garlic-chicekn-thighs.jpg)
These Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken thighs are your new favorite chicken dish complete with a sweet and savory sauce, believe me it’s just that good.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Spinach And Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 10 Spinach And Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/spinach-and-cheese-stuffed-chicken-thighs.jpg)
Spinach and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs – simple and delicious recipe that’s healthy, easy and quick to put together.
Get the Recipe: Spinach And Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Marsala Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 11 Slow Cooker Marsala Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Slow-Cooker-Marsala-Chicken-Thighs-8.jpg)
Cooking low and slow these Slow Cooker Marsala Chicken Thighs make a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Marsala Chicken Thighs
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 12 Oven Baked Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/oven-baked-chicken-thighs.jpg)
This Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is a force to be reckoned with! Simple and deliciously baked chicken with a mustard and honey glaze!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Pollo A La Coca-Cola
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 13 Pollo A La Coca-Cola.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pollo-a-la-Coca-Cola.jpg)
Pollo a la Coca-Cola is made of tender, juicy chicken cooked in the most amazing sauce. Serve with rice and veggies for a yummy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pollo A La Coca-Cola
Baked Chicken With Soy And Garlic
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 14 Baked Chicken With Soy And Garlic.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Baked-Chicken-With-Soy-And-Garlic.jpg)
This Oven Baked Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is easy, tasty, and healthy, the perfect blend of sweet and savory with soy sauce, garlic, molasses, and more!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken With Soy And Garlic
Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 15 Hot Honey Chicken Thighs](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hot_Honey_Chicken_Thighs.jpg)
These hot honey chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and incredibly tender and juicy on the inside. The sweet and spicy hot honey sauce creates a heavenly sticky glaze on the crispy chicken skin!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 16 Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sweet-_-Sour-Chicken-thighs.jpg)
These sweet and sour chicken thighs are loaded with authentic flavor. It’s easy to make and a blast of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 17 Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Instant_Pot_Chicken_Teriyaki_Recipe.jpg)
Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki thighs are the easiest weeknight recipe ever. The teriyaki sauce is easily made with only a few ingredients and is gluten-free. Quick and easy instant pot pressure cooker dinners are the best!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Easy Apple Cider Chicken
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 18 Easy Apple Cider Chicken.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Apple-Cider-Chicken-Recipe.jpg)
This apple-glazed chicken is sweet and tangy with beautiful color and amazing flavor. This chicken recipe is easy to make and so good!
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cider Chicken
Creamy Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 19 Creamy Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cast-iron-chicken-thighs.jpg)
Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. This recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 20 Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Slow-Cooker-Honey-Garlic-Chicken.jpg)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are so easy to make! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs taste delicious, on a bed of rice!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chipotle & Lime Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 21 Chipotle and Lime Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chipotle-Lime-Chicken-Thighs.jpg)
Chipotle and Lime Chicken Thighs require only a handful of ingredients, can be cooked in the oven or on the grill, and are juicy, crispy, and full of smokey flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle & Lime Chicken Thighs
Easy Honey Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 22 Easy Honey Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Honey-Chicken-Thighs-Oven-Roasted-Air-Fryer.jpg)
Make honey-roasted chicken thighs in an oven or air fryer for juicy honey chicken everyone loves. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Chicken Thighs
Sweet And Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 23 Bbq chicken in a skillet with two forks, using Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sweet_And_Spicy_Glazed_Chicken_Thighs.jpg)
These Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs are moist, tender, and have a huge flavor with very little effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Honey Lemon Soy Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 24 Honey Lemon Soy Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Honey-Soy-Chicken-Thighs-5.jpg)
Bake up these honey lemon soy chicken thighs for a quick, easy, healthy, and delightful dinner meal!
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Soy Chicken Thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 25 Baked Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/crispy-baked-chicken-thighs-4.jpg)
How to make the best oven Baked Chicken Thighs! Perfectly seasoned and juicy, with crispy skin. One of our favorite chicken thigh recipes!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 26 BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Slow-Cooker-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs_7.jpg)
Easy BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe. Throw these boneless chicken thighs in the crockpot for 2 and a half hours for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Creamy Chicken Mushroom
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 27 Chicken thighs with mushrooms and sauce in a skillet.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Creamy_Chicken_Mushroom_Recipe.jpg)
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is a healthy and flavorful dinner that is ready in only 30 minutes. Made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that’s made creamy with healthy cashew butter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Mushroom
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 28 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/slow-cooker-chicken-cacciatore.jpg)
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for weeknights. The chicken thighs are meltingly tender!
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Juicy Stove Top Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 29 Juicy Stove Top Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Garlic-Butter-Chicken-Thighs-and-Cauliflower-Rice-2.jpg)
Perfectly golden, tender, juicy, skinless, and boneless chicken thighs prepared on the stovetop. Easy and quick chicken dinner!
Get the Recipe: Juicy Stove Top Chicken Thighs
Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 30 Grilled chicken on a plate with green onions.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Soy_Glazed_Chicken_Thighs-1.jpg)
Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs have the juiciest and most tender meat under a wonderfully crispy chicken skin. This family favorite comfort food has only 4 basic ingredients, plus the chicken thighs for easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 31 Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/baked_lemon_pepper_chicken_thighs.jpg)
Baked lemon pepper chicken thighs are simply marinated with seasonings, lemon, and olive oil. They are quickly pan-seared and roasted in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Bone In
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 32 A white plate with chicken and rice on it.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Crock_Pot_Chicken_Thighs_Bone_In-1.jpg)
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are tender and full of flavor with this simple sweet and spicy sauce and seasoning mixture. Delicious bone-in chicken thighs are smothered with a blend of spices and garlic and covered in a mouthwatering sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Bone In
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 33 Chicken thighs in a white bowl on a table.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Air_Fryer_Chicken_Thighs_-e1704665275452.jpg)
This air fryer chicken thighs recipe is pure, tasty comfort food! This recipe serves up juicy and flavorful chicken every single time, with minimal cleanup. Plus it takes less than 30 minutes to cook!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Grilled Chicken Thighs
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 34 Grilled Chicken Thighs.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Grilled-Chicken-Thighs.jpg)
This grilled chicken thigh marinade recipe is simple and delicious! The soy sauce in the grilled chicken thigh marinade doesn’t really give it Asian flavors, but imparts a savory flavor and browns the chicken so well. One try and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 35 Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken, Potatoes, And Spinach.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sheet-pan-honey-mustard-chicken-potatoes-spinach.jpg)
An easy chicken and veggie-inspired sheet pan dinner made with chicken thighs, homemade honey mustard sauce, potatoes, and spinach.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Veggies
![36 Chicken Thigh Recipes That'll Have You Switching To The Dark Side 36 Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Veggies.](https://www.pinkwhen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mediterranean-Sheet-Pan-Chicken-T.jpg)
Simple and flavorful sheet pan Mediterranean chicken thighs with veggies are a great weeknight meal, and the leftovers make a tasty lunch!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Veggies
Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for recipes, dogs, sustainability, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.
Bella Bucchiotti is a freelance food, travel, and lifestyle writer for MSN and the Associated Press Wire.
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