Meat, Poultry |

Chicken Thigh

Gallus gallus domesticus Allergen-Free
chicken thigh

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of poultry, offering rich flavor and forgiving tenderness."

Definition

The upper leg portion of a chicken, renowned for its dark, flavorful meat, higher fat content, and moist texture, making it ideal for slow cooking and braising.

Technical Metrics

Protein Content (cooked)

~26g per 100g

Storage (raw, fridge)

1-2 days

Usage Popularity

Preferred by chefs for moisture

Chef’s Secret

For extra crispy skin, pat thighs completely dry, season well, and start cooking skin-side down in a cold pan over medium heat.

Buying Guide

Look for plump, pinkish-red thighs with intact skin. Bone-in, skin-on offers most flavor.

Flavor Pairings

Rosemary garlic lemon soy sauce potatoes rice root vegetables.

Recipes Using Chicken Thigh

Number Of Servings Cuisine Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Main Dish

3 Way Tex Mex Chicken Oamc

This versatile slow cooker recipe makes a HUGE batch of delicious Tex-Mex chicken perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or burritos! Enjoy multiple meals with minimal effort. Shredded chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty flavors come together for a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings.

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Time To Make Preparation Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

A Taste Of Africa Kenyan Chicken Curry

Embark on a culinary journey to Kenya with this vibrant and flavorful chicken curry! Inspired by Swahili cuisine—a fusion of East African and Middle Eastern flavors—this recipe delivers a rich, fragrant curry without overpowering heat. The chicken is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices including paprika, coriander, and turmeric, then cooked to perfection. A creamy sauce, simmered with fragrant spices and a touch of honey, complements the tender chicken beautifully. Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. Easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs – even includes a shrimp upgrade!

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Kosher Main Dish Course Occasion

Almond Orange Chicken

This irresistible Almond Orange Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Adapted from a popular online recipe, this dish boasts tender chicken in a vibrant, sweet and savory orange sauce, perfectly complemented by crunchy almonds. Double the recipe (as I did for my friends – they devoured it!), and prepare to be amazed by how quickly this flavorful masterpiece disappears. Prep time includes marinating.

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Vegetables 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Course

Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken And Potatoes

Experience the incredible flavors of Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken and Potatoes! This easy-to-make recipe delivers crispy-skinned chicken thighs and tender potatoes, bursting with smoky paprika and bright citrus notes. A perfect weeknight meal that's sure to impress.

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4 Hours Or Less Chicken 4 Hours Or Less Meat

Amazing Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

This recipe delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken thighs and perfectly roasted potatoes. The simple yet magical combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that will have you licking your plate clean! Super easy to make – just toss everything in a pan and let your oven do the magic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Low Saturated Fat Low In Something Time To Make

Apricot Chicken Thighs

Sweet and savory apricot chicken thighs are a delightful and easy weeknight meal! Tender chicken thighs are glazed with a tangy apricot sauce, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken that will impress your taste buds.

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Dietary Meat Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

Arroz Con Pollo Cuban Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Arroz con Pollo recipe! This dish bursts with savory chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, authentic Cuban meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Time To Make Grilling Poultry

B B Q Lemon Chicken Family Favorite

This incredibly simple recipe delivers unbelievably flavorful BBQ lemon chicken that your whole family will adore! So juicy and tender, it's guaranteed to disappear – there'll never be any leftovers! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

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Main Dish Inexpensive Main Ingredient Time To Make

Baked Fried Chicken Thighs

Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken without the guilt? This recipe delivers! Our baked chicken thighs achieve that perfect crispy exterior and unbelievably moist interior, all while being significantly lower in fat than traditional fried chicken. The flavorful coating has a delightful kick from red pepper flakes (easily adjustable to your spice preference!), making it a family favorite. We prefer dark meat, and when chicken thighs go on sale, we stock up to make this delicious meal. Trust us, you won't miss the deep fryer! Serve with your favorite sides like spicy rice and kale for a complete comfort food experience.

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Equipment Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Equipment

Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy, juicy baked chicken thighs with a golden parmesan and breadcrumb crust! This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 55 minutes. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple yet satisfying dish. Experiment with different breadcrumb types – sourdough or rye add a delicious twist!

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Equipment Chicken Thighs Legs North American Oven

Balsamic Braised Chicken With Honey

Indulge in this aromatic and savory Balsamic Braised Chicken with Honey recipe! A show-stopping dish from a health magazine, this recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich balsamic and honey glaze. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Time To Make Equipment Number Of Servings Main Dish

Barbecued Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy chicken thighs basking in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and tastes amazing served with fries and coleslaw. Get ready for a flavor explosion – the secret is French's mustard! (Other mustards just don't compare.) Customize the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the brown sugar. A quick and delicious meal the whole family will love!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Grains Pasta Rice And Grains

Barley And Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy 20-minute Barley and Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry recipe from Lorna Sass's "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses leftover cooked barley (or your favorite grain!) and pre-sliced chicken for ultimate convenience. The savory sesame sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp Chenin Blanc for the ultimate culinary experience!

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Low Sodium Vegetables Dietary Chicken

Barley Chicken And Onions

Experience the hearty goodness of this budget-friendly Barley Chicken and Onions recipe! Barley, a surprisingly versatile grain that triples in size when cooked, makes this dish incredibly filling and satisfying. Juicy chicken, tender onions, and flavorful barley combine for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers big on flavor, proving that frugal cooking can be incredibly gourmet!

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Appetizers Chinese Time To Make Dietary

Chinese Sticky Chicken

Craving incredibly crispy, sticky, and flavorful Chinese Sticky Chicken? This easy recipe is ready in under an hour and delivers an explosion of taste! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience!

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Poultry Comfort Food Preparation Chicken Thighs Legs

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

A taste of Eastern Europe! This comforting Hungarian Chicken Paprikash recipe is a family favorite, similar to goulash but featuring tender chicken instead of beef. Rich, creamy, and bursting with paprika flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Learn to make this authentic recipe passed down through generations!

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Main Dish Preparation Dietary Meat

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Tender, juicy dark meat chicken simmered in a vibrant, sweet and savory orange sauce. This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy, perfect for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Skip the bland chicken breast – this recipe uses flavorful dark meat chicken thighs for ultimate satisfaction. Get ready for a burst of deliciousness!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Soups Stews Course Equipment

Tasty Chicken Fennel Soup In A Crock Pot

Warm up your autumn evenings with this hearty and flavorful Crock-Pot Chicken Fennel Soup! This thick, stew-like soup is bursting with the tastes of fall – fennel, carrots, apples, and tender chicken simmered to perfection. Easily customizable to your liking, it's the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Perfect for meal prepping and a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.

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