4 Reasons to Buy Chicken Thighs for Dinner
Updated: Mar. 31, 2020Chicken thighs are often overlooked at the grocery store. Here's why you should put them in your shopping cart.
Sure, boneless, skinless chicken breasts might get all the glory. But when it comes to flavor, price and versatility, chicken thighs are the real winner! Here’s why I usually buy chicken thighs:
1. They’re relatively inexpensive.
For those looking for cheap dinner ideas, choosing chicken thighs over chicken breasts is a great option. Chicken thighs—particularly the bone-in, skin-on type—are often half the price of chicken breasts. Even if you prefer to not eat the skin, consider purchasing the skin-on type anyway, as cooking with the skin on helps to retain moisture and flavor. Just remove the skin before serving.
2. They’re full of flavor.
Since this cut comes from the muscular chicken leg, it is a darker meat. It also tends to be fattier than chicken breasts, which leads to a meatier and juicier flavor and more tender texture. The rich flavor of chicken thighs shines in this recipe for pan-roasted chicken and vegetables.
3. They’re perfect for slow cooker recipes.
Because chicken thighs are a less lean cut of meat, they are perfect for the slow cooker. The thighs will become even more tender over time, while lean chicken breasts have a tendency to dry out in a slow cooker when cooked too long.
4. They can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Chicken thighs are delicious when seared on the stovetop, roasted in the oven or grilled on the barbecue. Chicken provides a neutral palette and pairs well with a variety of flavors, ranging from spicy sauces to the more subtle flavors of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits.
Not sure where to start? Give one of these chicken thigh recipes a try!
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
I got this grilled huli huli chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California For more delicious ideas, check out our boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes. We love this Dutch oven chicken thighs recipe!
Thai Chicken Thighs
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Crispy Baked Corn Flake Chicken
I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered ti to make it easier. The result was this moist oven-fried chicken with a thick golden coating that's a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini of Boynton Beach, Florida
Air-Fryer Lemon Chicken Thighs
These air-fryer lemon chicken thighs remind me of Sunday dinner. The lemon and herb butter really makes the chicken flavorful and juicy! If you don’t have an air fryer, the chicken can be baked in the oven at 400° for about 45 minutes. —Alyssa Lang, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Chicken Paella
Turmeric lends flavor and a pretty golden color to this Spanish-style entree. Haven’t tried arborio rice? You’ll love its creamy texture.
Greek Chicken Bake
As soon as the weather turns cold, I know it's time to pull out this go-to recipe. I assemble it in the morning, then put it in the oven before dinner. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Fiery Sweet Chicken Thighs
This dish combines my love of spicy Thai food with a sweet, almost barbecue-like sauce. You can't beat the slow-cooker convenience! —Eve Gray, Marietta, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying, fairly inexpensive and needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cool autumn evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during the summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
Caesar Sheet-Pan Chicken
In our area we have an abundance of fresh lemons year-round. When I had a few extra on hand, I put together this quick sheet-pan chicken. I baked it so I could add carrots and potatoes, but you can grill the chicken if you'd like. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous, flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This slow-cooker teriyaki chicken is a snap to whip up on a workday, and it tastes just like Chinese takeout! My kids love it, and they don’t even know it’s healthy. —Rachel Ruiz, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
I just love this chicken stir-fry recipe, and the aroma is out of this world! The dish is slightly sweet and very peppery, so you may want to serve it over white or brown rice to tame the heat. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry Dinner
This sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
This air-fryer chicken thighs recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce
This recipe brings the restaurant to my home kitchen. And it’s easy, too! The meal comes together quickly and fills my kitchen with wonderful aromas. If there are any leftovers, they're just as good reheated the next day. —Kathi Jones-DelMonte, Rochester, New York
Sweet and Spicy Peanut Chicken
Chicken thighs and a slow cooker— that's a marriage made in culinary heaven! Juicy and flavorful, this simple dish will make you swoon when you return home and find it ready. The filling is also excellent in lettuce wraps. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing Waffles
Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Moroccan Apricot Chicken
Traditionally, this Moroccan chicken with apricots dish includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. Serve it alone or with couscous for a heartier meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Chicken Spareribs
These inexpensive chicken thighs get all gussied up in a zippy sparerib-style sauce that's irresistible —Janice Porterfield, Atlanta, Texas
Deviled Chicken Thighs
When I make this dish, I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The chicken stays tender and moist, and the cashews add a perfect bit of crunch. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Chicken Mole
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Za’atar Chicken
It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Creamy Chicken Thighs & Noodles
I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Sheet-Pan Tandoori Chicken
This tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas
New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet
When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash
When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
Chili Sauce Chicken
Chili sauce, garlic and basil add flavor to these moist chicken thighs. We enjoy the tender grilled chicken not just in summertime, but throughout the year. —Marilyn Waltz, Idyllwild, California
African Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
I came up with this African chicken thigh recipe when I combined some of my favorite ingredients: sweet potatoes, chicken and peanut butter. Add mango chutney and tomatoes and you've got a fantastic busy-week recipe. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Cassoulet for Today
French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet, too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Squash & Chicken Stew
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Greek-Style Lemon-Garlic Chicken
I love celebrating my Greek heritage with this super simple and scrumptious Sunday dinner idea. Prep time is a breeze and the ingredient list is relatively short for such a flavorful one-dish meal. Each time I make this I'm transported back to my ya-ya, who gave me the special honor of squeezing the lemons! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs
Here's a quick-prep recipe for tender, flavorful chicken in a tangy tomato-based sauce. You can easily double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your slow cooker. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
Coconut-Lime Chicken Curry Soup
I created this chicken recipe to replicate the flavors of my favorite curry dish—slightly sweet with just the right amount of spicy heat. When served with a garnish of green onions and toasted coconut, the soup makes the perfect cold-weather meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Garden Chicken Cacciatore
Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You'll have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I like to serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Lemony Chicken & Rice
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Spinach-Pesto Spiral Chicken
The homemade pesto sets this main dish apart from the rest. Elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough to a quiet evening at home, you can make this anytime. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
My “pickatarian” child is choosy but willing to eat this chicken glazed with apple juice and thyme. I dish it up with mashed potatoes and green beans. —Kerry Picard, Spokane, Washington
Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw
Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pesto Chicken Strata
I like this rustic strata for its hearty flavor. It's also nice to have something savory along with sweeter brunch dishes like cinnamon rolls and doughnuts. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Saucy Thai Chicken Pizzas
Contributor Gigi Miller, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, provided a fabulous recipe for sweet and saucy chicken thighs that she serves with rice. We took it a step further, and used the chicken and sauce to make this restaurant-inspired Thai pizza. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Originally Published: December 20, 2018
