When it comes to a quick and delicious dinner, boneless chicken thighs are a great option. With their tender texture and versatility in flavors, they can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any taste or schedule. From classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes, we’ve got you covered with these 20 flavorful boneless chicken thigh recipes perfect for weeknights.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet and savory, spicy and bold, or rich and creamy, we’ve curated a list of mouth-watering ideas that are sure to become new family favorites. From honey garlic soy glazed chicken thighs to pesto-stuffed chicken thighs with mozzarella, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and convenience.
Stay tuned for our full list of 20 recipes, featuring a mix of oven-roasted, grilled, pan-seared, and slow-cooked dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Honey Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory glaze that combines the richness of honey, the pungency of garlic, and the depth of soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and sesame oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh green onions, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this easy recipe for Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs. With a crunchy parmesan topping and juicy chicken, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Dip each chicken thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this zesty and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of lemon with the warmth of herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this rich and flavorful recipe. Pan-seared chicken thighs smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, infused with the warmth of Tuscan herbs, make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth.
6. Add oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and savory recipe that combines the deep flavors of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This spicy and sticky chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this easy and flavorful one-pan recipe, featuring tender chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, and sweet carrots. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the potatoes and carrots to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to brown.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Thigh Skewers
These colorful skewers combine the richness of teriyaki sauce with the natural sweetness of pineapple, all wrapped up in a flavorful package. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Add chicken pieces and pineapple chunks to the marinade; toss to coat. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with vegetable oil and season with salt.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Spinach
A flavorful and savory dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the tender juiciness of chicken thighs, all wrapped up with a handful of wilted spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and top each thigh with fresh spinach leaves.
8. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Paprika and Lime Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the smokiness of paprika with the brightness of lime juice to create a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and brush with lime juice.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
8. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Coconut Curry Braised Chicken Thighs
Rich and flavorful, this dish is a perfect blend of Indian-inspired spices and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, these braised chicken thighs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk and chicken broth to the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, paired with earthy sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side, then transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Cook chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms and garlic in a separate pan with a tablespoon of olive oil until tender.
7. Brush balsamic glaze over chicken thighs during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs
A classic Caribbean-inspired dish that adds a bold kick to your grilled chicken. This jerk-spiced marinade combines the warmth of allspice and thyme with the heat of scotch bonnet peppers for a flavorful and aromatic delight.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (or homemade blend)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, jerk seasoning, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
3. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Mozzarella
Elevate your dinner game with this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful recipe. Pesto-stuffed chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (or store-bought)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and shredded mozzarella.
3. Lay chicken thighs flat and make a horizontal incision in each thigh to create a pocket. Stuff each thigh with the pesto-mozzarella mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the maple-Dijon mixture over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is coated evenly.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Thai Basil Chicken Thigh Stir-Fry
Quick and flavorful, this Thai-inspired stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With the bold flavors of basil, chilies, and soy sauce, you’ll be hooked on this dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together curry paste, garlic, and 1 tablespoon water.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Add bell peppers to the same pan; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in curry paste mixture, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the pan; stir to combine with the sauce.
7. Garnish with basil leaves and scallions. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Ranch Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful recipe that combines the boldness of buffalo sauce and the creaminess of ranch dressing. Stuffing chicken thighs with a spicy, cheesy filling makes for a mouth-watering main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
3. Lay chicken thighs flat and cut a horizontal slit in each thigh to create a pocket. Stuff each thigh with the filling mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mediterranean Lemon Oregano Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and oregano with the tender juiciness of chicken thighs, resulting in a dish that’s both simple and impressive. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the lemon-oregano mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Get ready to level up your grilling game with these mouthwatering BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs! By combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce, you’ll be in for a treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each chicken thigh with 1-2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the spice mixture.
5. Grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Thighs
This Argentine-inspired recipe combines the brightness of fresh herbs with the richness of grilled chicken. The tangy chimichurri sauce adds a depth of flavor that will elevate your outdoor cooking game.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the chimichurri sauce evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs
Sweet and spicy, these slow cooker chicken thighs are a flavorful twist on traditional comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil.
2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey-sriracha mixture over them.
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 flavorful boneless chicken thigh recipes! From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, there’s something for everyone. Try Honey Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs, Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs, or Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs for a taste of elegance. Or go bold with Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs, Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Thigh Skewers, and more! With these recipes, you’ll never get bored with the same old chicken dinner again.
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