9 Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken Thigh Recipes

When it comes to the most tender part of the chicken, the thighs are second to none. They’re juicy and flavorful, whether oven-baked, grilled or even airfried. That’s because thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content. They’re also less expensive than chicken breast in most cases, which is a win for your food budgeting. So let’s check out some easy ways to prepare chicken thighs.

Chicken Thighs in the Oven

For those who love a crispy skin and tender center, oven-baking your chicken thighs is the way to go. Start with a marinade of your choice and stick them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, preheat your oven to 425F. Bake your thighs until the internal temperature reaches 165F (usually 25-30 minutes), then serve with your favorite sides.

Chicken Thighs on the Grill

Fire up the grill for big chicken thigh flavor. This cut of chicken cooks quickly, due to the thighs being thin and fatty. This allows juicy flavor to get sealed in during high-temperature grilling. Just preheat the grill to 425F and cook each side of your thigh for 6-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer the thighs to a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For even more tips on grilling chicken, look here.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the perfect cut of meat for an air fryer. Why? Because the fat content prevents the thigh from drying out during the cooking process. The rapidly circulating hot air in an air fryer can dry out some meats, but it just crisps the exterior of a thigh, leaving the center tender. Just preheat your air fryer to 400F and place your marinated thighs in the basket, then air fry for 10 minutes. Flip your chicken thighs and cook for 8 more minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes

Delicious flavor will go straight to your thighs with these easy recipe ideas.

For more easy meal inspiration, our meal planning page has weekly dinner ideas. For more budget related meals, visit our budget-friendly meals page or our budget-friendly meat cuts article.