Our 55 Best Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes

Flavorful chicken thighs are full of possibilities.

a close-up, overhead view of baked teriyaki chicken topped with sliced green onions in a white rectangular baking dish.
Photo:

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are inexpensive, versatile, and really hard to overcook. If you've picked up a package of boneless chicken thighs at the supermarket, here are over 50 different ways to prepare them for easy weeknight dinners. Here, you'll find recipes for the slow cooker, air fryer, oven, grill, stovetop, and more, because chicken thighs take well to virtually any cooking method (yet another reason to love them).

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Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Myrna

Pantry staples like soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and dried basil make up the marinade for these dump-and-go, slow cooker chicken thighs. Recipe creator Myrna suggests serving with basmati rice, quinoa, or steamed or roasted vegetables.

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Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.

This slow cooker take on a favorite Indian dish is way easier than standing over the stovetop. Serve with rice and warm naan bread.

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Spicy Chicken Thai Soup

Spicy Chicken Thai Soup with cilantro
Doubletigers

The spice level in this Thai soup can be tailor-made to suit your spice tolerance, simply adjust the amount of red curry paste. You can also substitute a few tablespoons of lemon zest for lemongrass, according to Chef John.

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Chef John's Chicken Tikka Masala

Chef John's Chicken Tikka Masala
Chef John

Chef John's recipe for chicken tikka masala has a secret ingredient: "This is usually done with heavy cream, but I like to use coconut milk instead; the subtle sweetness it provides works beautifully with the spices in the dish," he says.

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Rusty Chicken Thighs

a closeup of browned grilled chicken thighs on a white plate
Chef John's Rusty Chicken Thighs. KGora

A sweet and savory combination of garlic, Asian chile peppers, maple syrup, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and rice vinegar make up the marinade for this juicy grilled chicken thigh recipe.

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Grilled Chicken Adobo

grilled chicken thighs over brown rice with side of sweet potatoes
LatinaCook

Chicken adobo is a popular Filipino chicken dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Boneless chicken thighs are braised in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic, bay leaves, and pepper and then grilled until crisp and golden brown.

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Perfect Chicken

smothered chicken on white plate
KGora

See for yourself if this top-rated recipe lives up to its name. "Chicken stock, wine, onions, garlic, mushroom, cream, butter, herbs, lemon, and capers reduce to make a perfect sauce," says recipe creator Faith. "Served alongside mushroom rice and asparagus; it is HEAVEN!"

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Chicken Tagine

A shallow bowl of chicken tagine with couscous.

Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you, this Moroccan dish all comes together in the slow cooker. "The smells while cooking were incredible and the flavor was just amazing!" raves reviewer Squeezer.

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Spicy Orange Chicken

Orange chicken with vegetables over white rice on plate
Bibi

This leveled-up take out favorite is made without oil, making it much lighter (but still tasty). Serve with fluffy white rice.

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Joe's General Tso's Chicken

general tso's chicken with white rice
Sabby

Sweet and spicy General Tso's chicken is a very popular take-out choice, but you can easily replicate it at home with boneless chicken thighs. If you're in need of a wok for this dish, check out our test kitchen's picks for the best woks to buy.

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Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
iYing

"This is a delicious traditional Japanese meal consisting of chicken sauteed and then cooked in a Japanese broth, and then finished with egg and served over rice," says the recipe creator

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Dinner plate with 1 chicken thigh, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Pictured: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Allrecipes

The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy skin without all the added oil. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Copycat Chipotle Chicken

chicken thighs with chipotle seasoning and herb garnish
Buckwheat Queen

This versatile meat main can be used for tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, fajitas, or really any way you want to use it. Ancho chile pepper brings a mild, sweet-heat flavor to boneless chicken thighs.

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Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs

chicken thighs with honey garlic glaze in cast iron skillet
Robin Christian

Cook up these glazed chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet for a perfectly browned, crispy exterior. You can also substitute green onions for cilantro as a finishing touch.

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Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs
France C

Seared chicken thighs are topped with a ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella and baked until melty. Serve with angel hair pasta on the side as reviewer Irish Imp did.

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Chef John's Chicken Tinga

shredded chicken with tomato sauce on tortilla
Chef John

Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a spicy red sauce and shredded to make a great filling for tacos, burritos, and more. "It's great on a crispy tortilla and topped with the usual suspects," says Chef John.

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Burmese Chicken Curry

Burmese Chicken Curry
Burmese Chicken Curry. LInC

Recipe creator Lee Jackson describes this recipe as, "A mildly spiced curry from Burma with a beautiful fish-infused sauce!" Serve with jasmine rice.

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Chicken and Veggie Miso Soup (Instant Pot Version)

Chicken and Veggie Miso Soup in a bowl
Bobby Robinette

This Japanese-inspired chicken soup is made with shiitake mushrooms, miso paste, soy sauce, ginger root, sriracha, and bok choy. You can also add rice noodles if desired, according to recipe creator JoDee Phillips.

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Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Taquitos

a single taquito on a white plate with dipping sauce
Soup Loving Nicole

Chicken thighs are combined with cream cheese, jalapenos, and green enchilada sauce, and cooked in the slow cooker until fork-tender to make the filling for these taquitos. And unlike many taquitos, which are fried, these are oven-baked.

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Hatch Chile Enchilada Pie

enchilada pie with melted cheese on top in colorful bowl
Yoly

Mildly sweet and spicy Hatch chiles are the key to this enchilada pie. A chile chicken mixture is layered with corn tortillas and Mexican cheese blend and baked until the sauce is bubbling. It's comfort on a plate.

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Larb - Laotian Chicken Mince

Laotian Chicken Mince on a colorful plate
Buckwheat Queen

"We made this last night served on some lettuce wraps which makes for a great presentation," says reviewer Christina Vaughn Roberts of this recipe that originates from Laos and Cambodia.

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Best Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

chicken thigh with red sauce over spaghetti
thedailygourmet

This classic Italian dish is made easier in the Instant Pot: "A little work up front, barely any cooking time, amazing outcome," says recipe creator Shelly Exel-Miles. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve over pasta.

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Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken in a bowl over a napkin
lutzflcat

Boneless chicken thighs make an excellent savory pairing for apple cider in this skillet recipe that encapsulates fall. Recipe creator Jeff suggests serving with egg noodles.

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Red Curry Chicken and Pumpkin Soup

kabocha and chicken soup in a bowl
Chef John

"When people think of comfort food, they usually don't think of it as exciting and interesting, but this incredibly tasty soup is the rare exception," says Chef John. "It will warm your heart and soothe your soul, but stimulate you at the same time with its lovely contrast of flavors and textures."

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Popcorn Chicken (Taiwanese)

Popcorn Chicken (Taiwanese)
AllrecipesPhoto

This Taiwanese popcorn chicken is made with a tempura batter and is garnished with Thai basil and green onion. "My family loves it dipped in sweet chili sauce," says reviewer Jeff.

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Amazing Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken

Amazing Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken
thedailygourmet

Fried chicken just got a little lighter thanks to the air fryer, but don't worry, this recipe is made with real buttermilk to help tenderize the meat and provide its signature tang.

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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
fabeveryday

"This family-friendly dinner is just as good as takeout but made really easily in your slow cooker. We like to serve it with rice," says recipe creator fabeveryday.

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Chef John's Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Chef John's Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Photo by Chef John.

Homemade buffalo chicken nuggets made from tender chicken thighs > what you can get at any drive-thru. Chef John suggests serving with celery sticks and a bowl of blue cheese dressing mixed with hot sauce.

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Creamy Keto Chicken-Poblano Soup

Creamy Keto Chicken-Poblano Soup
pattie

This low-carb, keto-friendly soup has a creamy, cheese base with poblano peppers, onions, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, and of course, boneless chicken thighs. Dinner is ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot.

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Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

gumbo over white rice
Soup Loving Nicole

Speed up the process of making gumbo with the help of an electric pressure cooker. In fact, reviewer Debi C. described it as, "Not much different than the stovetop version Just faster. Very good."

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Fresh Figs and Chicken Thighs in Shallot-Balsamic Reduction

chicken thighs with figs, rosemary, and onions
Bibi

Fig season is short-lived, be sure to make the most of it while you can with recipes that put it front and center. Here, chicken thighs and fresh figs are simmered in a shallot-balsamic reduction.

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Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo

spanish rice with chicken on clay dish
SunnyDaysNora

This island-inspired dish can be either a side dish or a main dish thanks to the addition of chicken thighs, salted pork, ham, capers, olives, and tomatoes.

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Spicy Korean Chicken

korean grilled chicken thighs over rice with green onions and vegetables
Soup Loving Nicole

Korean chile paste (gochujang) adds a sweet and spicy flavor to these grilled chicken thighs, but you can also use regular chili powder in place of it. "This was excellent and super simple to boot," says reviewer and Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole.

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Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel
Yoly

"I find chicken thighs to be more flavorful than chicken breasts, and this schnitzel is a perfect example," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Yoly. "Not only is it delicious, it is also cooked in the air fryer, making it lower in calories, oil free, and grease free."

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Keto Chicken Fritters

chicken fritters on white platter with green onions
France C

Fritters are for more than just corn and zucchini. Chicken thighs make fritters that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. And the fact that they're keto-friendly is just a bonus.

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Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot® Chicken Biryani
Buckwheat Queen

This Indian rice dish doesn't skimp on flavor, but the Instant Pot certainly cuts down on the cook time. "Serve with yogurt raita to complement the spices," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen.

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Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick

Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick (R)
tcasa

Is there anything Bisquick can't do? The answer is no. Use it to make delicious dumplings in this simple chicken and dumplings recipe.

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Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken Thigh Kebabs

grilled chicken and vegetable kabobos on grill
France C

"The flavors of summer come alive in these colorful grilled kebabs, complete with a kick of heat from the Sriracha and sweetness from honey," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar France C. "If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to using to prevent burning. Serve over rice and garnish with lime zest if desired."

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One-Pot Keto Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice

A close-up on dutch oven filled with Jambalaya

This keto-take on Jambalaya is light on carbs but not on flavor. Cauliflower rice, andouille, sausage, shrimp, and chicken thighs are key in this favorite Creole dish.

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Easy Chicken Yakitori

Easy Chicken Yakitori

Skewered chicken thighs are rubbed in an umami-flavored Yakitori sauce and grilled. For best flavor, recipe creator ChefJackie says to baste the chicken frequently while grilling.

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Instant Pot Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash and Spinach

Shallow bowl of chicken tagine in front of an Instant Pot.

This Moroccan-inspired dish is made in the Instant Pot with butternut squash, chicken thighs, spinach, and a myriad of aromatic spices. Reviewer Amber Hanes-Miller says, "I was hesitant when I read the ingredients, I like them all but was unsure about their combined outcome. It was AMAZING!"

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Baja Grilled Chicken Tacos

Baja Grilled Chicken Tacos
Soup Loving Nicole

Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for grilling because they retain their moisture much better than chicken breasts: "Thighs are a good substitute for chicken breasts, especially with marinating and grilling. They do not dry out as quickly and are very forgiving," says recipe creator hynesey. Here they are marinated in a spicy-lime mixture, grilled, shredded, and served on corn tortillas.

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Baked Teriyaki Chicken

a close-up, overhead view of baked teriyaki chicken topped with sliced green onions in a white rectangular baking dish.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This recipe uses a homemade teriyaki sauce to glaze chicken thighs that are baked in the oven for the most delicious sticky chicken," says one Allrecipes user. "This is a much-requested recipe in our house!"

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Plum Good Chicken Thighs

plum glazed chicken thighs with green onions
lutzflcat

Plums make an excellent addition to fatty meats because their acidity cuts through the rich flavor. Here chicken thighs are tossed in a plum jam and balsamic reduction and garnished with green onions. "The sauce is delicious and if you are serving over rice or noodles you may want to consider making more of it," says reviewer and Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat.

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Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) with Honey Mayoster Sauce

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) with Honey Mayoster Sauce
Soup Loving Nicole

Karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, is essentially chicken that has been cut into bite-size pieces, dusted with bread crumbs, and deep-fried. The accompanying dipping sauce uses Japanese-style mayonnaise, which is much tangier than American-style. Find it online or in Asian supermarkets.

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Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Soup

mexican soup with tortilla strips
FIDGETTHEFROG

"This recipe offers yet another interesting variation on chicken soup made in the Instant Pot, this time with some spicy heat from canned chipotle peppers and chili powder," says recipe creator richgator.

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Instant Pot Thai-Style Green Curry Chicken

Instant Pot Thai-Style Green Curry Chicken in a white bowl
fabeveryday

Creamy, green coconut curry sauce brings sweet and spicy flavor to this easy Instant Pot dish. "For more of a kick, you can double the jalapeno and add an additional tablespoon of curry paste," says recipe creator fabeveryday.

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Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

chicken enchiladas with sour cream and cilantro
SunnyDaysNora

When you need to get dinner on the table fast, turn to these simple enchiladas filled with chicken, cheese, and tomatoes, and covered with a homemade green chili sauce. It all comes together in one hour.

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Enchilada Baked Chicken Thighs

chicken thighs with melted cheese, green onions, cilantro, and sour cream
Soup Loving Nicole

Skip the tortillas and opt for these low-carb, deconstructed chicken enchiladas instead. Chicken is baked in red enchilada sauce and smothered with cheese and broiled. Garnish with green onions, sour cream, and cilantro.

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Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Bowls

Instant Pot(R) Chicken and Wild Rice Bowls

"This one-pot meal is warm and comforting with nice texture and contrast between the firm wild rice and the softer brown rice," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat. "It's savory, yet expect a little kick of sweetness to sneak in with the apples and cranberries."

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Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken

chicken and white bean chile in white bowl
Bites of Flavor

This white chicken chili with homemade green chile sauce has a sweet and spicy flavor thanks to the combination of fresh tomatillos, jalapenos, and green chiles. "Serve over brown rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, avocado, and cheese, or wrap in a tortilla!" suggests recipe creator Bites of Flavor.

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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Chicken

pulled chicken over rice with green onions
A Day In the Kitchen

This tangy, teriyaki pulled chicken is best served on a crusty bun, or over white rice with a garnish of green onions.

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Sofrito Chicken

Sofrito Chicken

This hearty chicken dish is loaded with boldly savory flavor. Bell peppers, onions, and adobo seasoning come together for a mouthwatering bite of comfort food.

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Greek Chicken and Potato Bowl

Greek Chicken & Potato Bowl
Chef John
Greek Chicken & Potato Bowl
Chef John

Mediterranean flavors abound in this protein-packed bowl recipe. Oregano, lemon, and cayenne combine for a uniquely bold experience that'll thrill your tastebuds and keep you full.

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One Pot Chicken Stew

One-Pot Chicken Stew
fabeveryday

"This was really easy and delicious!" says Allstar fabeveryday. "Perfect on a cold fall night. Per the notes I substituted chicken stock, salt, and pepper for the water and the soup base, and it worked really well for me."

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