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

Chicken Livers Chicken Breasts Poultry Chicken Livers

3 C Crock Pot Casserole Chicken Cheese Cauliflower

Comfort food just got a healthy upgrade! This 3-Cheese Crock Pot Chicken & Cauliflower Casserole is incredibly tasty, low-carb, and unbelievably easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe boasts tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly roasted cauliflower – all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and guilt-free!

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Healthy High Protein Main Ingredient Free Of Something

Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Impress your family with these juicy, flavorful Balsamic Chicken Thighs! This quick and easy recipe is budget-friendly, using inexpensive chicken thighs to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Ready in under 35 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with your favorite rice and a fresh green salad for a complete and healthy dinner. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

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North American Cuisine Mexican Course

Arroz Con Pollo

Inspired by Jorge Ayala's legendary Arroz con Pollo (that beat Bobby Flay!), this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of savory spices create a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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5 Ingredients Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less

Baked Cranberry Chicken

This surprisingly delicious recipe, passed down from a convent kitchen, transforms juicy chicken thighs into a sweet and savory masterpiece! The tangy cranberry sauce, combined with rich onion soup mix and a hint of French dressing, creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. Serve this comforting dish over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal.

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Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less Course Low In Something

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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Barbecue Presentation Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient

Apricot Glazed Grilled Chicken

Escape the kitchen heat this summer with this irresistible Apricot Glazed Grilled Chicken recipe! Perfectly grilled chicken breasts are basted with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for cookouts and summer gatherings. For a delicious twist, try our Asian-glazed variation using hoisin sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Easy cleanup is a breeze with the optional use of a grill pan or aluminum foil. Get ready for juicy, flavorful chicken that will impress your family and friends!

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Main Dish Preparation Barbecue Poultry

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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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Chicken Dietary

57 Zesty Honey Chicken

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Heinz Kitchens-inspired recipe delivers juicy grilled chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and irresistible 57 Honey Sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or your next tailgate party, this recipe is unbelievably easy and delivers big on taste. Prepare to be amazed!

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Number Of Servings Course Dinner Party Cuisine

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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Poultry Easy Taste Mood Holiday Event

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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Cuisine Course Preparation Easy

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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Time To Make Course Preparation Low In Something

Asian Caramelized Chicken

This irresistible Asian Caramelized Chicken recipe is a family favorite that's impressive enough for guests! Tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, then finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Course Preparation Meat Cuisine

Andorran Escudella

Embark on a culinary journey to Andorra with this authentic Escudella recipe! Featured on week seven of the "Travel by Stove" food blog, this rich and flavorful one-pot wonder is considered Andorra's national dish. Perfect for a chilly evening, this hearty stew boasts tender chicken, savory sausage, and an abundance of vegetables. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious, slightly fatty broth. Get ready for a taste of the Pyrenees!

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Time To Make Equipment Chicken Course

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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Oven Low Calorie Weeknight Dietary

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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Chicken Thighs Legs Poultry Preparation Main Ingredient

Bean And Chicken Crockpot Tacos

Satisfy your taco cravings with this easy slow cooker recipe! Tender shredded chicken and flavorful beans simmer together for hours, creating a delicious filling for your favorite tacos. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for the most amazing, easy tacos ever!

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To Go To Go 4 Hours Or Less Easy

Sweet And Savory Baked Chicken

This fast and easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken baked to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce. Ready in 70 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal served alongside fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Preparation Sauces 4 Hours Or Less

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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