Chicken Thigh Recipes That Will Change How You Think About Dinner

By Shannon Bauer
Updated August 16, 2019
Thigh it, you'll like it! These healthy chicken thigh recipes are proof that chicken thighs are just as versatile (and delicious!) as chicken breasts.
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Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Credit: Joyful Healthy Eats

This healthy chicken thigh recipe takes less than 30 minutes and has less than 300 calories per serving (insert praise hands emoji!). Just roast chicken thighs in a skillet with cumin, paprika, and olive oil, then coat in a Parmesan and garlic sauce. (Chicken thighs vs. chicken breasts are just one instance when more calories is actually better, BTW.)

Get the recipe: Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

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20-Minute Easy Skillet Chicken Caprese

Credit: Little Broken

With only five minutes of prep, this is a quick dinner for nights when you can't muster the strength to cook. Balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil give this healthy chicken thigh recipe caprese-inspired flavor.

Get the recipe: 20-Minute Easy Skillet Chicken Caprese

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One-Pot Chicken Dirty Rice

Credit: The Chunky Chef

This flavorful chicken thigh recipe comes together in one pot. The Cajun rice dish is made with garlic, paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes, and Andouille sausage. (Related: 10 Whole 30 Chicken Recipes That Will Become Staples in Your Kitchen)

Get the recipe: One-Pot Chicken Dirty Rice

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Thai Coconut Curry Braised Chicken Thighs

Credit: Budget Bytes

Budget Bytes is known for—what else?—affordable meals. At only $2.06 per serving, this Thai curry is much cheaper than ordering takeout. Grated ginger, coconut milk, and Thai curry paste give the chicken thigh recipe Asian flair.

Get the recipe: Thai Coconut Curry Braised Chicken Thighs

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Chicken Cacciatore

Credit: Cafe Delites

Chicken thighs are versatile, juicy, and affordable—and are the unsung hero of the protein world. (Psst...here's what eating the *right* amount of protein each day looks like.) The vegetables and red sauce in this dish round out an amazing low-carb, Italian meal.

Get the recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

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One-Pot Greek Chicken Thighs with Lemon Rice

Credit: Recipe Tin Eats

One pot, lots of flavor. This might not be a traditional Greek recipe, but the ingredients (chicken, olive oil, oregano) are a delicious nod to the region and are some of the most versatile Mediterranean diet foods.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice

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Grilled Chicken and Avocado Street Tacos

Credit: Cooking Classy

Chicken thighs don't have to be served whole—the tender meat is great in tacos. These street tacos are marinated in lime juice, garlic, cumin, and ancho chili powder before grilling. Serve this chicken thigh recipe in corn taco shells with your desired toppings. (Score 26 more terrific taco ideas!)

Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken and Avocado Street Tacos

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Crock-Pot Chicken Thighs with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Credit: Diethood

Throw chicken thighs in a slow cooker with sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes for a Mediterranean-style dinner. (If the keto diet is more your jam, try these healthy keto chicken recipes.)

Get the recipe: Crock-Pot Chicken Thighs with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

Credit: The Woks of Life

Step one: Caramelize lemon slices to cut through the sour taste. Step 2: Fall in love with this hearty, healthy chicken thighs recipe.

Get the recipe: Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

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Baked Crispy Chicken Thighs

Credit: African Bites

This healthy chicken recipe uses creole spice, paprika, pepper, and bouillon powder to create the perfect crunch—no frying necessary. (If you like crispy fried foods, then you'll fall for these 20 air fryer creations!)

Get the recipe: Baked Crispy Chicken Thighs

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