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30 Chicken Thigh Recipes For A Budget

Chicken thighs take the spotlight in this collection of recipes, showcasing their versatility and rich flavor. Whether grilled, smoked, braised, or fried, each dish offers something special, from bold international spices to comforting classics. These recipes make it easy to transform everyday ingredients into standout meals.

Explore smoky and spiced flavors like jerk chicken or Traeger Vietnamese thighs, or go for timeless comfort with baked thighs and caramelized onions. For quick and crispy options, air fryer and skillet recipes deliver impressive results in no time. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner.

From sweet and tangy Huli Huli chicken to hearty chili verde, these recipes celebrate the richness of chicken thighs in a variety of cuisines. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll find these dishes perfect for any occasion. Dive in and discover your next favorite meal!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these air-fried chicken thighs are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe combines brining, smoking, and frying to create tender, flavorful chicken with a crunchy coating. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

How to Grill Perfect Chicken Thighs for Juicy, Crispy Results

How to Grill Perfect Chicken Thighs for Juicy, Crispy Results. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Learn the secrets to grilling chicken thighs with crispy skin and juicy meat, making them a flavorful alternative to boneless cuts.
Get the Recipe: How to Grill Perfect Chicken Thighs for Juicy, Crispy Results

Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, these juicy chicken thighs are great for cookouts or quick weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Traeger Chicken Thighs

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

Seasoned with a savory rub and smoked on a Traeger grill, these chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and full of rich smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Golden and crispy chicken thighs bake alongside caramelized onions for a simple, comforting dinner. Quick stovetop searing locks in flavor and juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken thighs are slow-cooked with BBQ rub and sauce for tender, smoky perfection. A fantastic option for fans of bold barbecue flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

Smoky chicken and tangy green sauce bring a unique twist to classic enchiladas. A flavorful take on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas

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

Marinated in chili garlic sauce, these grilled chicken thighs are bold, spicy, and perfect for fans of fiery flavors.
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.

Sweet and savory, this Hawaiian-inspired dish is marinated and grilled, offering tropical flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

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

Smoked chicken adds depth to this hearty chile verde, combining smoky, spicy, and savory notes in a comforting stew.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

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

Smoky, tender chicken thighs infused with bold Vietnamese flavors. Perfect for those looking to try an Asian-inspired barbecue dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with Mediterranean herbs, charred lemon, and fennel for a bright, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel

Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A smoky twist on classic Hungarian chicken paprikash, prepared on a Traeger grill for added depth and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel

Smoked Chicken Thighs on Traeger Grill

Smoked Chicken Thighs on Traeger Grill. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Braised with honey and beer, these chicken thighs are rich, savory, and slightly sweet, offering a comforting meal with depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs on Traeger Grill

Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken cooked on a Blackstone griddle for caramelized perfection. Quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs

Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Zesty marinated chicken, grilled or roasted, delivers bold flavors in every bite. A versatile dish perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs

Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

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

Coated in ranch seasoning and cooked in the air fryer, these chicken thighs are crispy, juicy, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

Pollo Asado (Grilled or Roasted)

Pollo Asado (Grilled or Roasted). Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

Butter chicken meets the grill in this fusion dish, combining creamy, spiced flavors with a smoky twist.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado (Grilled or Roasted)

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Sweet and savory chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, making this a quick and flavorful meal option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

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

Chicken thighs braised in apple cider with herbs create a tender, aromatic dish perfect for cozy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These chicken leg quarters are coated in sweet chili sauce for a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Stove Top Recipe)

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Stove Top Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs and potatoes, flavored with lemon and topped with feta cheese for a bright, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Stove Top Recipe)

Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

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

Smoky, spicy jerk chicken thighs are marinated and grilled for bold Caribbean-inspired flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles in a comforting Southern favorite. Brining and a special batter make this dish a standout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Smoked Chicken Thighs

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

Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs are smoked on a Traeger grill for tender, juicy meat and a tasty crust. A simple, satisfying option for smoky barbecue lovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

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

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs cooked quickly in the air fryer, seasoned with a savory blend for incredible flavor in no time.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Smoky and flavorful, these chicken leg quarters are grilled to perfection on a Traeger. Great for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

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

These juicy leg quarters are coated in a sweet chili glaze for a mix of tangy and spicy flavors, ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This Traeger recipe infuses the traditional Hungarian chicken paprikash with a smoky twist, adding depth to the creamy, paprika-rich sauce.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles