5 Delicious Chicken Thighs Recipes You'll Love

Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious part of the chicken that can be cooked in numerous ways to bring out a variety of flavors. Whether you prefer them crispy, juicy, with a marinade or sauce, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and provide a comforting meal. Here are five chicken thighs recipes that you're bound to love.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

One of the most popular chicken thighs recipes, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, combines the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and garlic to create a succulent dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, season with salt, and then immerse them in the marinade, letting them sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  4. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the thighs skin-side down, and sear until golden brown.
  5. Flip them over, pour the remaining marinade over the top, and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

💡 Note: For an extra caramelized glaze, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

2. Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Enjoy the zesty and aromatic flavors of Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs, perfect for those who love bright, fresh notes in their meals.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 chicken thighs (skin on, bone-in)
  • 2 lemons (one for juice, one for slices)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  4. Place lemon slices on a baking dish, lay the chicken over the slices, and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
  5. Baste the chicken with the pan juices once or twice during cooking.

3. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Barbecue chicken thighs offer the smoky, sweet, and tangy taste of a cookout anytime you want it.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 to 8 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat an oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the barbecue sauce, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until warm.
  4. Grill the chicken skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and brush with the sauce. Continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. If using an oven, bake the chicken, brush with sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

4. Crispy Szechuan Chicken Thighs

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Crispy Szechuan Chicken Thighs bring a bold and spicy flavor to your table.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp red chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • Oil for frying
• Steps:
  1. Toast the Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes, then grind them.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and scallions. Add the ground spices.
  3. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 2 hours.
  4. Heat oil in a pan to medium-high, fry the chicken skin-side down until crispy, then flip and cook until fully cooked.

5. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Thighs

For a dish that's rich with the flavors of North Africa, try this Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Thighs recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in)
  • 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup dried apricots, sliced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. In a bowl, mix all the spices, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a rub.
  2. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  3. Add the chicken, chickpeas, onion, carrots, and apricots to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

📍 Note: Feel free to adjust the level of spices according to your taste preferences.

To wrap things up, these chicken thighs recipes showcase the incredible versatility of chicken thighs. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet like Honey Garlic or something spiced and savory like Szechuan, each recipe brings its unique flair to the table. Experimenting with different marinades and cooking methods can elevate a simple piece of chicken into a gourmet meal. Keep these recipes in your cooking arsenal, and you'll never run out of delicious ways to serve chicken thighs.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but remember that the cooking time might be less, so adjust accordingly.

How do I know when chicken thighs are cooked properly?

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Chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I marinate chicken thighs overnight?

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Marinating chicken thighs overnight can enhance the flavor, but for strong marinades like those with acidic ingredients, keep it to no more than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.

What are some side dishes that go well with these chicken thighs?

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Rice, roasted vegetables, couscous, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are all excellent options to complement the flavors of these chicken thighs recipes.