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If you are stuck on what to cook, these healthy chicken thigh recipes will have you covered. These easy chicken thigh ideas are easy to make, packed with flavor, and use simple, affordable ingredients.
Family-approved and FAST chicken thigh recipes.
While chicken breasts may be the most common part of the chicken to eat, chicken thighs are the tastiest. They’re delicious enough to eat on their own but also super versatile enough to be used in a plethora of dishes.
It’s healthy, packed with nutrients, and super affordable. They are also super versatile. Below, you’ll find my top healthy chicken thigh recipes that are tried and true. Whether you are new to cooking with chicken thighs or looking for new ways to jazz them up, I hope there’s something here for you.
Simply cooked chicken thighs
When it comes to beginner-friendly chicken thigh recipes, it’s best to know how to cook them using a variety of cooking methods. They don’t need many ingredients and yield perfectly cooked chicken every time.
This is my most-made chicken thigh recipe. It’s easy, affordable (skin-on chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and drumsticks!), and cooks in just 12 minutes. The crispy and juicy chicken pairs well with anything (we like rice or air fryer baked potatoes).
If you want a set-and-forget way to cook chicken thighs, try the sous vide method. You can adjust the cooking time and the results are consistent every time. Bonus? You don’t even need a sous vide machine.
I was always reluctant to get an Instant Pot, but since cooking chicken thighs in one, I’m converted. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and ready in no time. Don’t forget to use the juices to make a quick sauce or marinade. You may also like my Instant Pot shredded chicken and Instant Pot whole chicken.
When I want to whip up a dinner to impress with minimal effort, I use my cast iron. My family LOVES how crispy the skin gets and the natural smokiness of the thighs.
Grilled boneless chicken thighs
This is a summertime staple in our household. You can marinate the thighs up to 48 hours in advance, and once the grill is cranked up, cook them up in just 10 minutes. Fun fact- the leftovers taste amazing cold!
Simple baked chicken thighs
Oven baking chicken is always a safe bet and is so easy to customize with different sauces, marinades, and spices. You can also roast some veggies or sides at the same time and have dinner in a flash.
If I’m not using my chicken thigh marinade, I make these honey garlic thighs. The sweet and savory combination is so delicious, and the crispy skin traps in even more flavor. I like to serve these with simple sides to let the chicken shine.
A tried and tested favorite, baking chicken thighs is hands-off and can be easily customized with many flavors. My recipe is a little different, because it does not need any marination time, and thanks to some baking powder, the skin is extra crispy (and remains crispy).
Oven fried chicken thighs are a healthier and easier alternative to traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing flavor or crispiness. If you want this to be even healthier, try air fryer fried chicken.
Mexico’s answer to grilled or oven-baked chicken. I first tried this when I spent a year in Mexico and begged my host family to teach me how to make it (this is as authentic as it gets!). I like to shred the meat and serve it with salads or veggie sides.
Easy chicken thigh skillet dinners
Are you a fan of one-skillet dinners? I reckon using a skillet guarantees incredible flavors that other cooking methods can’t compare to. It takes the chicken up a notch!
A winter staple in my kitchen, this comes together in no time, full of spices and perfect over some couscous. The leftovers taste even better.
This is an easy-to-cook recipe that can be made in 10 minutes! It includes fresh vegetables stir-fried with tender chicken, finally covered with delicious Hunan sauce. I like to switch up the veggies to use up whatever I have on hand.
This is my version of PF Chang’s popular chicken stir fry. Of course, I skip all the sugar-laden sauces and preservatives. This makes a fabulous weeknight dinner.
Who said Indian curries have to be high-calorie foods? This homemade takeout favorite uses less butter and less oil, but is super flavorful. The thighs hold onto the sauce, which gives you so much flavor in every bite.
Like the masala, just because it has butter in its name does not mean it is unhealthy. I swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and amp up the amount of chicken. Pair it with cauliflower rice for an overall low carb dinner.
A healthier copycat version of Chipotle’s new chicken dish! The seasoned and chopped thigh pieces are cooked in pineapple and spices in a skillet for that gorgeous smoky flavor.
30 Minute recipes
Chicken thighs are known for being quick to cook, making the perfect weeknight dinner. The recipes below take less than 30 minutes and result in a flavorful and healthy meal.
My family LOVES Nandos, so I’ve made a homemade version that is lean, filling, and so flavorful. The spice mix is spicy, sweet, and so good. Pair it with some air fryer French fries or air fryer sweet potato fries for a takeout fakeout.
As the name suggests, this is Peru’s answer to baked chicken thighs. It’s typically served with a green sauce (Aji Verde), but I find them ultra flavorful as is.
My dad’s top secret (well, not anymore) recipe for grilled chicken skewers. His marinade is SO good, and you almost don’t want to use the peanut sauce (don’t skip it!).
The #1 dish in the Philippines, chicken thighs are braised with an umami-forward sauce. It’s typically cooked low and slow, but I’ve tested this to make it super speedy.
This Hawaiian-style grilled chicken thigh recipe features a spicy pineapple marinade. It’s a summertime staple in my household. You can grill it, bake it, or even use the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs have their benefits. Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while boneless chicken thighs cook more quickly and have less fat.
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs, but it is best to thaw them out first. This will ensure the chicken remains juicy instead of rubbery.
The cooking time for chicken thighs varies depending on the cooking method and the meat’s thickness. Generally, chicken thighs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
More favorite healthy recipes
- Healthy breakfast ideas
- Healthy chicken breast recipes
- Healthy ground beef recipes
- Healthy lunch ideas
Healthy Chicken Thigh Recipes: Honey Soy Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs boneless
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 210C/425F. Season the chicken thigh fillets with salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, and garlic. Transfer the mixture to a large ziplock bag, then add the chicken thighs and toss until combined.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place them on a large baking sheet lined with tinfoil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, before switching the oven to the broil setting so the sauce on top slightly thickens.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Buy frozen chicken thighs. Often cheaper than fresh thighs, they taste identical once thawed and seasoned.
- Look for the freshest chicken. Fresh chicken thighs should be pink or flesh-colored with clear and uneven skin. If there’s any grey or limp skin, give it a miss.
So easy to make and so delicious this will become a staple at my house
Thanks for this delicious and very easy recipe. My husband and I loved it. He said it was a definite keeper 🙂
This recipe does not disappoint! I have made several times and it is loved by the whole family. Shared this with several friends who now follow your website – based initially on this one recipe! Love it!
Great all around chicken marinade. We grilled the chicken thighs. Will absolutely be making this again!