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20 Incredible Recipes Using Chicken Thighs

This collection of 20 of my very favorite recipes using chicken thighs will keep you cooking all year long! I love using chicken thighs because it is SO forgiving. Unlike chicken breast, which tends to dry out quickly at even the hint of overcooking, chicken thighs are perfect for stir fry, casseroles, and low-and-slow cooking and it’ll stay moist, flavorful, and delicious.

Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly cut that is almost one of the most forgiving to cook with. It stays moist and juicy longer, and isn’t so touch about overcooking, either.

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky take on the classic enchilada, this recipe features chicken and a green sauce, infused with smoky flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for those who enjoy traditional Mexican dishes with a unique twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas

Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fiery and flavorful dish, these grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy chili garlic sauce, ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their grilled poultry.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Another take on the Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken, this recipe is perfect for grilling enthusiasts seeking a sweet and savory chicken dish with a tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky version of the traditional Chile Verde, this recipe uses smoked chicken to enhance the dish’s depth and flavor. It’s a great choice for those who love a hearty, smoky, and spicy stew.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fusion of Vietnamese flavors and smoking technique, this recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs with a distinctive twist. Ideal for those looking to experiment with Asian-inspired barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe reinvents the classic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash by incorporating the smoky flavor of a Traeger grill, adding a new dimension to this traditional dish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A savory and sweet chicken teriyaki dish, cooked on a Blackstone griddle for a perfectly caramelized exterior, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe offers a twist on classic butter chicken by incorporating the smoky flavor achieved through grilling. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a fusion of traditional Indian flavors and outdoor cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A sweet and spicy option, these chicken leg quarters are coated in a sweet chili sauce. They’re a great mix of flavors for those who enjoy a little heat with their sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe focuses on chicken thighs, smoking them to bring out a rich and savory taste. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer the darker, more flavorful meat of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These chicken thighs are seasoned with a spicy and flavorful jerk marinade, then cooked on a pellet grill for a smoky and spicy dish. They’re great for those who love bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Simple yet flavorful, these chicken leg quarters are a great choice for a straightforward and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for an easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Photo credit: Pups With Chopsticks.

This recipe puts a Vietnamese twist on the classic chicken dish, featuring the aromatic lemongrass as a key flavor. Perfect for those looking to explore Asian cuisine, it combines both the zestiness of lemongrass and the savory depth of chicken, resulting in a dish that’s both fragrant and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Brined Chicken Thighs

Brined Chicken Thighs . Photo credit: Greedy Gourmet.

This recipe focuses on the technique of brining to enhance the juiciness and flavor of chicken thighs. It’s a great option for those who want to master a foundational cooking technique while enjoying a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Brined Chicken Thighs

Plum Roasted Chicken

Plum Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: This Mom Is On Fire.

This unique recipe brings together the sweetness of plums and the savoriness of roasted chicken in a convenient sheet pan preparation. It’s perfect for those seeking a one-pan meal with a delightful balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Plum Roasted Chicken

Chicken Artichoke Olive Skillet

Chicken Artichoke Olive Skillet. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A Mediterranean-inspired dish, this recipe combines chicken with artichokes and olives, creating a meal that’s bursting with zesty and briny flavors. It’s an excellent choice for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Artichoke Olive Skillet

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This recipe infuses baked chicken with the tropical flavors of coconut and lime, offering a refreshing and exotic twist. It’s an ideal dish for those wanting to bring a bit of the tropics to their dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Jerk Chicken Thighs

Jerk Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Tia Clara.

This recipe simplifies the traditional Caribbean jerk chicken, making it accessible for a home cook without sacrificing the spicy, bold flavors that are characteristic of the dish. It’s a must-try for lovers of vibrant, heat-packed meals.
Get the Recipe: Jerk Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

For those who favor the air fryer for its convenience and health benefits, this recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to prepare crispy chicken thighs. It’s perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Coq Au Vin Blanc

Instant Pot Coq Au Vin Blanc. Photo credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

A modern take on the traditional French Coq au Vin, this recipe uses white wine and an Instant Pot for a quicker, yet still delicious version. It’s ideal for those who love rich, wine-infused chicken dishes but are short on time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coq Au Vin Blanc