Cooking with Chicken Thighs

Photo: Randy Mayor

Tandoori Chicken Thighs

Chicken is a versatile and go-to meal option for many chefs, whether it be a weeknight meal, entertaining, or grilling in the summer. Chicken thighs are tender and juicy. Simple to prepare, these 13 recipes show how to bring new life and flavor to your table with chicken that everyone will love.

We'll start off with Tandoori Chicken Thighs, a dish that pairs well with vegetables. Slice half an onion into wedges, and halve and seed six mini sweet peppers. Brush the veggies with a bit of oil, grill them, and serve along with naan bread to round out the meal.

View Recipe: Tandoori Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry

Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs

The Asian-inspired tasty glaze gives these chicken thighs a mahogany sheen. Rich thigh meat is higher in fat than lean white meat, so the thighs stay moist even when they're roasted without skin. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, if desired.

View Recipe: Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Pineapple, Corn, and Bell Pepper Relish

A perfect option for summertime menus, this recipe takes basic grilled chicken thighs to the next level with a sweet relish. The pineapple, corn, and bell peppers are perfect served atop the savory chicken.

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs with Pineapple, Corn, and Bell Pepper Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

This is a classic, can't-go-wrong chicken thighs recipe that everyone will love. Play up the buffalo theme with a side of celery sticks and light ranch dressing.

View Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Photo: Anna Williams

Tequila-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs

If you would rather not use tequila, you can substitute 1/3 cup pineapple juice. Start the grilling over direct heat to get good grill marks and charred bits, and then move to indirect heat to gently finish the cooking.

View Recipe: Tequila-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry

Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

The sweet-and-sour maple-mustard glaze is a great topping that brings some interest to plain grilled chicken thighs. Speed up prep by marinating only 30 minutes. Serve with cabbage-carrot slaw.

View Recipe: Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry

Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs

The flavor in this recipe is unparalleled with just the right amount of heat and sweet. Serve with rice and grilled vegetables to cool the plate down.

View Recipe: Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs

Photo: Randy Mayor

Honey-Wine Braised Chicken Thighs with Mustard Greens

Bringing Far East flavor to ordinary chicken, this is a great dish to add some variety to your weeknight meal routine. Serve with rice or lo mein noodles.

View Recipe: Honey-Wine Braised Chicken Thighs with Mustard Greens

Photo: Randy Mayor

Braised Chicken Thighs with Plums

When they are in season, plums are an excellent addition to braised chicken. Not only do they add sweetness and texture, but they also add a serving of fruit to the meal.

View Recipe: Braised Chicken Thighs with Plums

Photo: John Autry

Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs with Scallion Rice

If you can't find ginger preserves for these sweet and salty chicken thighs, you can substitute 1/2 cup apricot preserves plus 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger.

View Recipe: Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs with Scallion Rice

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken Thighs with Olives and Tomato Sauce

Add capers along with the olives, parsley, and seasoning for a more briny flavor, if you like. The parsley goes in last to keep its flavor and color intense.

View Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Olives and Tomato Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Inspired by North African tagines, this Moroccan chicken recipe uses skinless, boneless chicken thighs and is ready in a little over an hour. Serve the chicken over couscous, and garnish with a cilantro sprig for color.

View Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Jamaican-Spiced Chicken Thighs

Complete the menu with mashed sweet potatoes and a mixed green salad. For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño.

View Recipe: Jamaican-Spiced Chicken Thighs