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58 Chicken Thigh Recipes You’ll Make All the Time

Updated on March 08, 2024

Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the protein realm. Whether you bake, braise, glaze or grill them, they always cook up juicy and delicious.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher

Our Best Ideas for Chicken Thighs

We love chicken thighs because they stand up to (and thrive) under almost any circumstances. They stay juicy when they’re grilled or baked in the oven, develop a nice crisp when broiled or air-fried and end up fall-off-the-bone tender when slow-cooked or braised. Add to that the fact that they play nicely with a myriad of spices and marinades and it’s easy to see why they’re our go-to option when we need an easy chicken dinner. Plus, they’re usually less expensive than chicken breasts—win! So, how do you know which kind to choose? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good low-maintenance pick but we prefer the bone-in, skin-on ones because the bones add tons of flavor and, when seared, the skin cooks up to crunchy perfection. Just take this recipe for example. A dry brine combined with slow roasting keeps the meat juicy while a quick flash under the broiler at the end of the cooking process renders the skin crisp and golden.

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Photo: Matt

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Salsa Verde and Lemony Kale Salad

An air fryer practically guarantees crispy, juicy chicken thighs. Seasoned simply with lemon zest, salt and pepper, they make a satisfying meal with an Italian-inspired salsa verde and bright kale salad (that's easy to make ahead). Air fried panko is the final crunchy touch.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher

Skillet Chicken Thighs with White Wine–Butter Sauce

The stovetop-to-oven cast-iron skillet technique in this recipe is our go-to for achieving crispy, juicy chicken thighs. If you’re tight on time, the chicken is delicious without the butter sauce (simply plate the thighs straight out of the oven). But to truly impart restaurant-worthy flavor, try your hand at the classic white wine and butter sauce known as beurre blanc in French. The recipe makes a plentiful amount of sauce; nestle the chicken into some of it, then spoon more over every other component of your dinner.

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Photo: Armando Rafael

Braised Chicken Thighs and Apples

Apple cider and apples give this braised chicken dish a decidedly fall feel, although we'd happily eat this chicken dinner any night of the year!

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