10 Quick Chicken Thighs Recipes for Easy, Healthy Dinners

May 30, 2024

Courtesy of The Woks of Life

Chicken breasts get all the love, but we think it’s worth giving chicken thighs another look. They’re less expensive than breasts, they cook faster, they’re more flavorful, and they’re less likely to dry out. Plus, if you make chicken as often as we do, you’re probably ready for something different. We gathered an array of chicken thighs recipes so you can see just how versatile and delicious this economical cut can be.

1. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

The fresh, vibrant flavors you expect in Mediterranean Diet recipes are here in abundance in this chicken dish. With roasted red peppers, capers, oregano, garlic, and, of course, olive oil, it’s a zesty and satisfying meal. Bonus: It only takes 10 minutes of prep time.

Try this recipe from The Woks of Life.

2. Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

We love a dish that lets us grab spices we already have out of the pantry, and this one fits that bill. Smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes — it’s like a who’s who of our favorite spices. There’s also garlic powder in the spice rub and fresh garlic in the quick sauce, so if you’re a garlic lover, this quick one-pan dish will become a new fave.

Try this recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats.

3. Honey Garlic Sriracha Chicken

The sweet-spicy trend seems to be here to stay, and we’re not sad about it. In this dish, you combine honey with sriracha, as well as garlic, lime juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce for the marinade, then you can cook the marinade with the chicken, or cook the chicken without it, depending on how saucy you like your chicken.

Try this recipe from Cafe Delites.

4. One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

A simple, straightforward sheet pan meal that you can customize is such a gift for busy weeknights. This recipe calls for carrots, green beans, and baby red potatoes along with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, but you can swap in any veggies you have on hand. You also can switch to boneless, skinless chicken easily. Garlic, rosemary, and thyme are the crowd-pleasing seasonings that tie it all together.

Try this recipe from The Real Food Dietitians.

5. Chicken Stir-Fry

Get all of your veggies prepped and the easy stir-fry sauce made before you turn on the stove, because once you start cooking this flavorful stir-fry, everything happens fast. In 30 minutes total, you’ll sit down to a fragrant and satisfying meal starring chicken thighs. Serve it over rice, cauli rice, or noodles.

Try this recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.

6. Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

We love BBQ no matter the season, and since this recipe uses the oven, you can have it any time. Simply roast the thighs until the skin is crisp, brush on a quick mix of barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and garlic, and roast until done. The result: juicy, tender chicken that’s loaded with flavor. Pro tip: Look for a barbecue sauce made without added sugar, like Good Food for Good.

Try this recipe from Craving Tasty.

7. Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs

Who doesn’t love a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s made with pantry staples, and can be on the table in 20 minutes? This foolproof, fuss-free recipe is bound to become a family fave. Quick-sear boneless, skinless thighs, add a few simple ingredients to the skillet, cook down to a tasty pan sauce, and dinner’s ready. Plus: It’s gluten-free and Whole30-friendly.

Try this recipe from Paleo Running Momma.

8. Sesame Chicken

Why order in when you can enjoy this healthier version of sesame chicken in less than 30 minutes? Bonus: You can sauté it in a skillet or user your air fryer, whichever you prefer. Whir a few ingredients in your blender, and you have a super-tasty sauce that’s sweetened only with dates, no added sugar.

Try this recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.

9. Crispy Curried Chicken Thighs with Wilted Greens

We love chicken thighs recipes you can make in one-pan, and this one couldn’t be easier: Toss the chicken in a curry spice mix and sear, then transfer to the oven. When it’s done, while the chicken rests, use the same skillet to cook up flavorful onions and greens. It’s done in 25 minutes. Pro tip: Any curry powder you have on hand will work, so go for a hot madras curry for some heat, or choose a garam masala if you like yours on the milder side.

Try this recipe from Simply Recipes.

10. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Nothing screams “comfort food” like a creamy chicken and mushroom dish. Now you can have your chicken-and-mushrooms and feel good about it. This one-skillet meal has bacon and garlic to add loads of flavor, and it’s made with coconut milk, so it’s dairy-free.

Try this recipe from Healthy Little Peach.