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Chicken thighs are quick, cheap, and universally loved by everybody in the family, you simply can’t beat them for weeknight meals.
Why do I cook with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are probably the ideal cut
- Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than leaner breasts, and that means more flavor.
- Chicken thighs are very forgiving, they don’t dry out during cooking like breast meat can.
- When properly cooked chicken thighs are incredibly tender and juicy.
What’s the difference between white and dark meat?
Dark meat
- Dark meat comes from muscle that is well used, like the legs of the bird, and contains moremyoglobin, which contributes to its darker color. It’s referred to as red muscle.
- Dark meat is a little higher in fat and calories than white meat (but still considered a lean meat)
- Dark meat is slightly higher in vitamins and minerals.
- Higher fat means dark meat is more tender, and has a stronger, more ‘chicken-y’ flavor.
White meat
- White meat comes from muscle that does not get much use, like the breast and wings, and therefore has lessmyoglobinprotein.
- White meat is lean and pale in color. It’s referred to as white muscle.
- White meat cooks more quickly and has a milder flavor.
- White mean can become dry and tough if over cooked.
skin on or off?
You’ll notice many (but not all!) the recipes featured here are skin-on. That’s because the skin adds flavor and texture to the finished dish, especially when browned first.
I generally buy skin-on thighs, unless my recipe calls for the chicken to be immersed in a sauce or soup. In that case I use skinless (the skin would become rubbery in liquid.)
However if you’re watching fat and calories, use skinless thighs, they’re definitely lower in fat: a skinless thigh has 6 grams fat while a skin-on thigh has 17 grams.
Any of these recipes can be adapted for skinless thighs.
My Teriyaki Chickenwith Broccoli Rice uses boneless skinless chicken thighs
That means chopstick tender meat and a heart healthy meal. If you don’t see boneless skinless thighs in your supermarket, ask the butcher. It’s also easy to de-bone chicken thighs yourself, just slice around the bone with a sharp knife to remove it.
My Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Greens is based on an Mediterranean classic.
The Italians have been combining beans and greens for generations, and when you add chicken thighs into the mix, you’ve got an extraordinarily hearty (and healthy!) meal that comes together in a flash.
Same pan, same Mediterranean theme, but Tuscan Chicken Thighs takes it in a different direction…
This recipe is so rich and comforting for chilly nights. I make sure to keep the browned chicken skin above the bubbling sauce so it stays nice and crispy.
Chicken Satay is traditionally made with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
The meat is marinated in coconut milk and rich spices which makes it even more tender and delicious. The little chunks cook in no time, making this perfect for busy weeknights.
My Chicken Thighs in Lemon Sauce is a favorite around here
It proves that everyday meals don’t have to be bland or boring. The silky smooth Greek lemon sauce is super creamy, but surprisingly dairy free. It’s made with the same easy technique I use in my Greek Avgolemono Soup.
Speaking of creamy, my Chicken Thighs Marsala is so luxurious it can double as a romantic meal for two.
Marsala wine and a touch of cream make this a restaurant quality dish. Marsala is an Italian fortified wine with a long shelf life, and it’s the secret ingredient in lots of different sauces. But be sure to look for a good quality Marsala, and skip anything labeled ‘cooking wine’.
ThisCreamy Chicken with Wild Rice and Mushrooms is a welcome back to fall meal if there ever was one.
Wild rice and mushrooms are a classic Autumn pairing, and make these chicken thighs special. Wild rice is easy to cook and adds such a pop of color and texture to one pot dinners like this.
Lemon Chicken Biryani introduces an exotic note into the family dinner routine
And yet this chicken thigh recipe still comes together in about an hour. Once you’ve got the handful of easily available spices in your cupboard this aromatic chicken and rice dish will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
More chicken recipes you use with thighs
Cider Braised Chicken with Sage
5 from 9 votes
Cider braised chicken with sage is an aromatic chicken dinner that's easy to prepare and makes a gorgeous presentation!
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Roast Chicken Breasts with Tarragon and Mustard Sauce
3.45 from 29 votes
Roast Chicken Breasts with Tarragon and Mustard Sauce is a classy, easy, and comforting everyday meal redolent with the flavors of the Mediterranean.
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Lemon Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing
4.68 from 28 votes
This Lemon Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing is one of my most requested recipes ~ the tender crispy chicken on top of a fresh salad and drenched in creamy buttermilk dressing is hard to beat!
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Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Cardamom Rice
3.72 from 59 votes
Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Cardamom Rice is a Yotam Ottolenghi recipe, and probably the most requested meal in my house ~ it's a comforting chicken dinner and a must-make!
View this recipe
Meyer Lemon Roast Chicken
4.78 from 36 votes
Meyer Lemon Roast Chicken is a delicious way to perk up your weekly meal plan ~ the flavors are bright and sunny, and the whole dish looks as beautiful as it tastes!
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Firecracker Chicken
4.11 from 29 votes
Firecracker Chicken with vivid peppers, tender chunks of chicken, and a fiery sweet and spicy sauce is so much better than takeout!
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