Chicken Thigh

Gallus gallus domesticus Meat, Poultry

Chicken Thigh Meat, Poultry

At a Glance

  • Category Meat, Poultry

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.

Protein Content (cooked) ~26g per 100g
Storage (raw, fridge) 1-2 days
Usage Popularity Preferred by chefs for moisture

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chicken Thigh are:

Rich savory meaty slightly fatty

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.

Best Substitutes

Chicken breast

leaner, less fat
Ratio 1:1

Pork shoulder

different flavor, similar braising quality
Ratio 1:1

Turkey thigh

similar dark meat
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

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

Recipes Using Chicken Thigh

Low Saturated Fat Chicken Thighs Legs Crock Pot Slow Cooker Poultry

Crock Pot Chicken Chili

Warm up on chilly evenings with this hearty Crock Pot Chicken Chili! This recipe is perfect for slow cooking in your crockpot or for a quicker stovetop version (simmer for about 1 hour). Enjoy tender chicken, vibrant spices, and a rich, flavorful broth. Easily customizable to your spice preference!

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Mexican Course Crock Pot Slow Cooker Mexican

9 To 5 Mexican Crock Pot Chicken

Need a delicious and easy weeknight dinner after a long day? This 9 to 5 Mexican Crock-Pot Chicken recipe is your answer! Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender chicken simmers in a rich, zesty sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice and lettuce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker 4 Hours Or Less Crock Pot Slow Cooker Time To Make

A Super Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This family-favorite slow cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a pantry-friendly delight! Hunter-style cooking creates a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce bursting with onions and herbs. Forget bland spaghetti sauce – this is so much more! Tender chicken thighs (or breasts – adjust cooking time if using breasts) simmer in a flavorful sauce, perfect served over spaghetti, with roasted potatoes, or as a standalone entree. Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly, this recipe is perfect for a leisurely family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Impress your family with this elevated, yet easy, cacciatore! #slowcooker #chickencacciatore #familyrecipe #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner #comfortfood #italianfood

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A1 Sauce Main Dish Preparation Course

A1 Chicken Thighs En Croute On A Bed Of Dijon Cooked Spinach A1

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these elegant A1 Chicken Thighs En Croute! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of A1 Steak Sauce and Dijon mustard, then encased in flaky puff pastry. Served atop a bed of wilted spinach, also seasoned with A1 and Dijon, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and rich, this recipe is sure to impress! #chickenthighs #encroûte #a1steaksauce #dijonmustard #spinach #dinnerrecipe #easyrecipe #gourmetdinner

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Preparation Main Dish Course Vegetables

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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One Dish Meal Low Carb Oven Course

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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Creole Preparation Dietary Course

American Kitchen Classic Creole Jambalaya

Indulge in the rich flavors of New Orleans with this authentic Creole Jambalaya recipe! A vibrant "red" jambalaya, traditionally enjoyed on Louisiana plantations, this recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic. While seafood (like crayfish or shrimp) is traditionally included, we offer a flexible recipe to suit all palates. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion. Learn how to create this iconic Creole masterpiece in your own kitchen!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Time To Make Poultry

Asian Chicken Thighs

Juicy and flavorful Asian Chicken Thighs – a family favorite! This easy recipe, adapted from Taste of Home, delivers tender, succulent chicken thighs in a delicious, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these thighs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired goodness!

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Chicken Breasts Preparation Main Ingredient For 1 Or 2

Asian Spicy Chicken Thighs

Fire up your taste buds with this explosive Asian Spicy Chicken Thighs recipe! Inspired by a classic Asian grilled chicken, we've cranked up the heat and flavor for a truly unforgettable dish. Juicy chicken thighs (or breasts!) are marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, then baked to perfection. Serve alongside your favorite sides like asparagus, grilled Brussels sprouts, curry couscous, or rice pilaf for a complete and satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour!

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Equipment Occasion Course Fall

Autumn Chicken And Rice

Cozy up to this hearty and flavorful Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice recipe! A comforting fall or winter supper, this dish features tender chicken thighs, savory wild rice, sweet apples, and aromatic vegetables all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. We've used a seasoned wild rice blend for ease, but feel free to substitute with plain long grain and wild rice – just adjust seasonings accordingly. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

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Equipment Poultry 1 Day Or More Meat

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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Meat Time To Make Cheese Equipment

Baked Buttermilk Mustard Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy! These Baked Buttermilk Mustard Chicken Thighs are a weeknight dinner winner. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. Get ready for a burst of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors in under an hour!

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Oven Eggs Dairy Time To Make Low In Something

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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Main Dish Time To Make Main Dish Course

Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs Low Carb

Juicy, flavorful baked garlic chicken thighs – a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe ready in under an hour! This easy recipe delivers tender chicken thighs with a delicious garlicky, savory glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

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Preparation Chicken Thighs Legs Equipment Meat

Barbecued Chicken Thighs Au Vin

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Barbecued Chicken Thighs Au Vin! Succulent chicken thighs are marinated in a rich blend of red wine, orange zest, and savory spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, irresistible taste. This recipe offers a sophisticated twist on classic barbecue, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation Course Main Dish Broccoli

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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Thai Asian Equipment Holiday Event

Bbq Thai Peppered Chicken

Fire up the grill for this sensational BBQ Thai Peppered Chicken recipe! This recipe uses a clever wire BBQ frame to ensure perfectly crisp skin and even cooking on all those juicy chicken thighs. The vibrant Thai-inspired marinade, packed with garlic, ginger, and fiery peppercorns, delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite. Serve as a show-stopping appetizer or a delicious main course for 6. Prep time excludes the essential 2-hour marinating time – get ready to impress!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Equipment Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course

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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