21 Chicken Thigh Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

Pork chops are a blank canvas for bold marinades, savory glazes, and fresh ingredients. From smoky and grilled to sweet, sticky, or slow-cooked, this list brings a range of flavors and cooking methods. You’ll find weeknight-friendly recipes along with dishes worth firing up the grill or slow cooker. Whether you’re going for citrusy brightness, spicy depth, or a comfort classic, there’s something here for every style.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Boneless thighs are coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze and cooked until golden in the air fryer. The sauce thickens around the edges and adds a sweet-savory finish. These cook fast and stay juicy. Great with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and roasted or air-fried. The outside crisps while the inside stays moist. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese. A good option for wing lovers who want more meat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs

These are seasoned simply and cooked to get a golden exterior. The air fryer keeps them moist without needing oil. They can be served plain or sauced after cooking. A blank canvas for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A quick air fryer method delivers juicy thighs with crispy edges. They’re seasoned before cooking and take just minutes. A great protein to use in wraps or salads. Ideal when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs

These thighs are coated in seasoned panko crumbs for crunch. The air fryer crisps the coating while keeping the meat tender. They’re a lighter take on fried chicken. Serve with a dipping sauce or side salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

A paleo-friendly teriyaki sauce made with coconut aminos coats these thighs. They crisp up in the air fryer while soaking in the flavor. No added sugars or processed ingredients. A clean, simple way to enjoy takeout flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

These simmer in a sauce made with apple cider, mustard, and herbs. The result is tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted squash. A solid pick for cooler nights.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Each thigh is wrapped in bacon before baking or air frying. The bacon crisps while basting the chicken. Inside stays juicy while the outside gets smoky. A rich dish that doesn’t need much else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

This skillet meal starts with seared chicken and ends in a tomato cream sauce. The pan adds flavor while the sauce clings to every piece. It works with pasta, polenta, or bread. A hearty, one-pan option.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Chicken Thigh Marsala

Golden seared thighs are simmered in a mushroom Marsala wine sauce. The sweet and savory balance makes this dish stand out. It’s rich without being too heavy. Ideal for serving with noodles or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thigh Marsala

Chicken Thighs and Rice

Everything cooks in one pan or pot, so the rice soaks up all the chicken flavor. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s easy to prep. The chicken stays moist while the rice finishes fluffy. Great for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs and Rice

Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

These are cooked in a sauce made from lemon juice, garlic, and cream. The result is bright and rich at the same time. The sauce pairs well with greens or pasta. A simple pan sauce that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts add texture and tang to this creamy dish. The chicken is browned first, then simmered in the sauce. It’s an easy way to dress up pantry staples. Serve with bread or couscous.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Boneless thighs cook fast in the Instant Pot and shred easily. They’re seasoned with broth, spices, or sauce before pressure cooking. This batch-cooks well for tacos, salads, or bowls. Keeps well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Leftover shredded thighs get new life with green chile and spices. They’re warmed in a skillet or oven for a quick meal. Serve with tortillas, rice, or stuffed in peppers. A fast fix using what’s already cooked.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs

These thighs are marinated or brushed with BBQ sauce and grilled to a smoky finish. The outside gets charred while staying juicy inside. A summer staple that’s easy to scale up. Great with grilled corn or baked beans.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

This combo brings sweet, citrusy, and peppery notes all at once. The glaze thickens during cooking and clings to each piece. It’s bold but balanced. Serve with rice or sautéed greens.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs

Fresh rosemary and lemon flavor this baked or grilled dish. The herbs infuse the chicken while it cooks. The result is juicy with a hint of earthiness. Great with roasted potatoes or couscous.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Everything bakes together on one tray—chicken, veggies, and sometimes potatoes. It’s low-effort and full of flavor from the pan juices. Cleanup is easy too. A solid weeknight solution.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

This one-pan meal uses crispy bacon and tender green beans to round out the dish. Chicken thighs bring protein and soak up all the flavors. It’s hearty without needing sides. A good stovetop dinner when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

These simmer all day in lemon juice, broth, and garlic. The slow cooker keeps them tender and full of flavor. Serve over rice or with vegetables. A set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes fresh.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs