Even though chicken breasts are easy to prepare, it's nice to take a break from them every once in awhile. If you prefer dark meat over white meat, go for chicken thighs. They are just as delicious, affordable , and can easily take on different flavors.
Chicken thighs are rich in protein, but do have a higher fat content, especially if you like to eat the skin. A healthier option would be skinless chicken thighs, which you can find in the grocery store. Or you can just avoid eating the skin altogether since it contains the most fat. Whether you eat skin on or skinless chicken, there's no doubt our list of easy chicken thigh recipes will be perfect for any weeknight dinner.
1. Paprika Chicken Thighs with Brussel Sprouts
This one-pan, healthy chicken thigh recipe is one the family will always ask for! The chicken thighs are rubbed with paprika, garlic paste, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper and as it cooks, the delicious juices flavor the Brussel sprouts and shallots.
2. Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs
I always keep a packet of ranch seasoning in my kitchen. It's a fast way to flavor up chicken breasts, pork, and in this recipe, bone-in chicken thighs. Just place the chicken thighs on a sheet pan and brush with olive oil, ranch salad dressing mix, and minced garlic.
During the last few minutes, switch the oven to broil for a nice, crispy skin on the chicken. Here's the recipe.
3. Honey-BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Utilizing the grill is an quick way to have dinner on the table in no time and there's hardly any clean up. Slathering these boneless chicken thighs in your favorite bbq sauce and honey is a great way to pack on some sweetness.
The sugars almost caramelize and turn a beautiful dark brown, which can't be beat! So simple and delicious. Here's the recipe.
4. Garlicky Greek Chicken Thighs
A simple marinade (you can do this the day before, too) in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic is a recipe for perfection!
To get the chicken a little crispy, quickly sear the outside until brown on a cast iron skillet and then finish cooking in the oven. Serve this family-friendly meal with some fresh veggies and rice. Here's the recipe.
5. Crock Pot Lemon Chicken
This healthy chicken recipe is completely fool-proof. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook. The potatoes, carrots, and onions along with the seasonings on the chicken thighs make this one pot meal a serious win!
Try using bone-in chicken thighs since there's a ton of flavor from the bone. Here's the recipe.
6. Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
I love the marinade for this recipe: Greek yogurt, garlic, cumin, chili powder, onion, and olive oil. It's so flavorful and the acidity from the yogurt really helps tenderize the chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for this since you have to cut them up into bite sized pieces. And don't forget to soak the wooden skewers in water so they don't burn on the grill. Here's the recipe.
7. Apple Balsamic Chicken Thighs
There so so many delicious flavors going on in this recipe. Apple cider or juice, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and some seasonings. Throw it all into the slow cooker for a few hours and serve with rice, quinoa, or your favorite veggies.
8. Artichoke and Garlic Broiled Chicken Thighs
This simple sheet pan dinner only requires four ingredients- boneless skinless chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
Placing the pan under the broiler will give you a nice brown crisp on the chicken, which is so good! Here's the recipe.
9. Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
This recipe is going on my list of weeknight dinners! It's so flavorful from all the spices and nothing beats the crisp on the chicken from the cast iron skillet. It's so easy, too and you'll have it on the dinner table in no time.
