Even though chicken breasts are easy to prepare, it's nice to take a break from them every once in awhile. If you prefer dark meat over white meat, go for chicken thighs. They are just as delicious, affordable , and can easily take on different flavors.
Chicken thighs are rich in protein, but do have a higher fat content, especially if you like to eat the skin. A healthier option would be skinless chicken thighs, which you can find in the grocery store. Or you can just avoid eating the skin altogether since it contains the most fat. Whether you eat skin on or skinless chicken, there's no doubt our list of easy chicken thigh recipes will be perfect for any weeknight dinner.
1. Paprika Chicken Thighs with Brussel Sprouts
This one-pan, healthy chicken thigh recipe is one the family will always ask for! The chicken thighs are rubbed with paprika, garlic paste, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper and as it cooks, the delicious juices flavor the Brussel sprouts and shallots.
Here's the recipe.
2. Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs
I always keep a packet of ranch seasoning in my kitchen. It's a fast way to flavor up chicken breasts, pork, and in this recipe, bone-in chicken thighs. Just place the chicken thighs on a sheet pan and brush with olive oil, ranch salad dressing mix, and minced garlic.
During the last few minutes, switch the oven to broil for a nice, crispy skin on the chicken. Here's the recipe.
3. Honey-BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Utilizing the grill is an quick way to have dinner on the table in no time and there's hardly any clean up. Slathering these boneless chicken thighs in your favorite bbq sauce and honey is a great way to pack on some sweetness.
The sugars almost caramelize and turn a beautiful dark brown, which can't be beat! So simple and delicious. Here's the recipe.
4. Garlicky Greek Chicken Thighs
A simple marinade (you can do this the day before, too) in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic is a recipe for perfection!
To get the chicken a little crispy, quickly sear the outside until brown on a cast iron skillet and then finish cooking in the oven. Serve this family-friendly meal with some fresh veggies and rice. Here's the recipe.
5. Crock Pot Lemon Chicken
This healthy chicken recipe is completely fool-proof. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook. The potatoes, carrots, and onions along with the seasonings on the chicken thighs make this one pot meal a serious win!
Try using bone-in chicken thighs since there's a ton of flavor from the bone.Here's the recipe.
6. Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
I love the marinade for this recipe:Greek yogurt, garlic, cumin, chili powder, onion, and olive oil. It's so flavorful and the acidity from the yogurt really helps tenderize the chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for this since you have to cut them up into bite sized pieces. And don't forget to soak the wooden skewers in water so they don't burn on the grill.Here's the recipe.
7. Apple Balsamic Chicken Thighs
There so so many delicious flavors going on in this recipe. Apple cider or juice, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and some seasonings. Throw it all into the slow cooker for a few hours and serve with rice, quinoa, or your favorite veggies.
Here's the recipe.
8. Artichoke and Garlic Broiled Chicken Thighs
This simple sheet pan dinner only requires four ingredients- boneless skinless chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
Placing the pan under the broiler will give you a nice brown crisp on the chicken, which is so good! Here's the recipe.
9. Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
This recipe is going on my list of weeknight dinners! It's so flavorful from all the spices and nothing beats the crisp on the chicken from the cast iron skillet. It's so easy, too and you'll have it on the dinner table in no time.
Here's the recipe.
FAQs
Ultimately, chicken thighs can be a healthy addition to your diet as long as they're prepared in a good-for-you way. If you are trying to limit your fat intake, prepare chicken thighs in ways that don't use much added oil, like grilling, baking or stir-frying. Also be mindful of the sodium that you add during cooking.
Is chicken thigh healthier than breast? ›
The white meat in chicken breasts contains more protein and less fat, while the dark meat in chicken thighs contains more vitamins and minerals. Put simply, the best choice is the one that people prefer to eat.
What to eat with chicken thighs for dinner? ›
The best side dishes to serve with chicken thighs are green beans, French fries, Spanish rice, carrots and potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, onion rings, cannellini beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, couscous salad, buttermilk biscuits, creamed spinach, quinoa, roasted beet salad, cornbread, and grilled zucchini.
Is chicken thigh more unhealthy than breast? ›
The extra fat in the thigh, drumstick and wings can benefit some goals but hinder others. If you're trying to lose weight, then chicken breast is the best cut for you. It is the leanest part of the chicken, which means it has the fewest calories but the most protein.
How much more unhealthy are chicken thighs? ›
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts are both good sources of lean protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health. Chicken thighs are slightly higher in fat than breasts, but they also contain slightly more vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
How to cook chicken thighs Jamie Oliver? ›
Spread out in a single layer in the roasting tray, and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Lovely served with a rocket salad dressed with some lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, and a nice glass of white wine.
How to make chicken thighs taste better? ›
Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and thyme will make the most flavorful spice rub for your chicken, so make sure to always have your pantry stocked with some spices. Preheat a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes with 1 tablespoon of oil.
Can chicken thighs be a little pink? ›
Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer. For whole poultry, check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
What is the unhealthiest part of the chicken? ›
The highest fat content in a chicken comes from the skin, followed by the wings, which just barely edge out the next-fattiest cut of chicken meat, the thigh. Next up is the drumstick, followed by breast meat, which is the leanest cut of chicken.
Are chicken thighs bad for cholesterol? ›
Chicken, by nature, has lower cholesterol and lower fat than most meats. Chicken breast contains the least cholesterol, followed by the thighs, wings, and legs. However, its cholesterol-raising effects depend on the part of the chicken you use and the method of preparation.
Chicken legs and thighs are an excellent source of many essential nutrients. Iron and zinc, which are important for a healthy immune system, are present in much higher quantities in dark meat than in white meat.
How do you eat KFC thighs? ›
First, hold on to the bone that protrudes out from the triangular-shaped meat. Second, twist and pull upwards to remove the thigh bone. The remaining meat can then be eaten as a whole.
What is a good side with chicken thighs? ›
Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a refreshing choice. Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa make great side dishes to complement the chicken thighs.
Is it good to eat the skin on chicken thighs? ›
Because most of the fat in chicken skin is unsaturated fat which is very beneficial for heart health. At the same time, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, unsaturated fats can help prevent and reduce blood cholesterol and stabilize blood pressure.
Is chicken thigh fatty or lean? ›
Chicken thigh is slightly more tender and flavorful than chicken breast due to its higher fat content. One skinless, boneless, cooked chicken thigh (116 g) contains : Calories: 208. Protein: 28.8 g.
Can you get lean with chicken thighs? ›
Many people prefer the moister thighs. The calories are about the same, and while the dark meat has a bit more saturated fat, it's still a lean cut.
Can I just eat chicken to lose weight? ›
While a meat-only diet can help with weight loss, it comes with some serious potential downsides, including essential nutrient deficiencies, unhealthy eating habits, and unsustainability. overall. Weighing the main benefits and disadvantages suggests that the chicken diet is not an ideal approach to dieting.
How much chicken should I eat per day to lose weight? ›
How much chicken should I eat per day to lose weight? As a lean meat, chicken doesn't have much fat — so aim for 100g per day as part of a balanced diet to make sure you're getting what you need. High is protein, it's a solid choice for feeling satiated for longer, weight loss and maintaining lean body mass.
