8 Chicken Thigh Dinners for Every Night of the Week

Chicken thighs are a versatile and budget-friendly option for weeknight dinners. They’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, making them a favorite in many households. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a bit more sophisticated, there’s a chicken thigh recipe to suit every taste. Here are eight delicious chicken thigh dinners to inspire your meal planning for the week.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the honey garlic sauce over them.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
6. Serve with steamed rice and a side of green vegetables.

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish is perfect for starting your week on a sweet and savory note. The honey and garlic blend beautifully, creating a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken thighs. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy Mondays.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
6. Serve with a fresh garden salad and grilled vegetables.

Why You’ll Love It:

Grilling chicken thighs brings out their natural flavor and gives them a delicious char. The lemon and herbs add a refreshing twist, making this dish light and zesty. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and tasty dinner without much effort.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.

Why You’ll Love It:

This creamy mushroom chicken dish is comforting and luxurious. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken thighs, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. It’s a wonderful midweek treat that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Spicy Thai Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, ginger, and garlic.
2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat them in the marinade. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are crispy.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with jasmine rice.

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, these spicy Thai chicken thighs are sure to hit the spot. The blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors is incredibly addictive. This dish brings a bit of exotic flair to your dinner table and is perfect for those who love bold tastes.

Bonus Recipes: More Chicken Thigh Ideas

If you’ve enjoyed the first set of chicken thigh recipes, here are a few more to keep your taste buds excited and your weeknight dinners varied.

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken thighs in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.

Why You’ll Love It:

Buffalo chicken thighs bring the heat and are perfect for those who love a spicy kick. The combination of buffalo sauce and crispy chicken makes this a great game day or casual dinner option. The celery sticks and blue cheese dressing help cool down the heat and add a refreshing crunch.

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake (optional)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over them.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
6. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Why You’ll Love It:

Teriyaki chicken thighs offer a sweet and savory experience with a beautiful glaze that coats the chicken. The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple yet flavorful, making this dish a favorite for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a takeout-style meal at home.

Chicken Thighs with Dijon Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried tarragon. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.

Why You’ll Love It:

Chicken thighs with Dijon mustard sauce are creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious. The mustard and tarragon give the sauce a sophisticated flavor that elevates the dish. It’s a comforting and elegant option for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, then add fresh spinach.
7. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve with rice or pasta.

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish combines the rich, sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with the freshness of spinach, creating a harmonious and vibrant meal. The creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully, making this a delightful option for those who enjoy complex flavors.

Conclusion

With these additional chicken thigh recipes, your weeknight dinners will never be boring. From the spicy zest of buffalo chicken thighs to the comforting creaminess of Dijon mustard sauce, each recipe offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy chicken thighs. These dishes are designed to be approachable for intermediate-level cooks, ensuring that you can create flavorful and satisfying meals with ease.

Chicken thighs are not only versatile and budget-friendly but also incredibly flavorful. Whether you prefer your chicken grilled, baked, or simmered in a rich sauce, there’s a recipe here to suit your tastes. Experiment with these dishes and find your favorites, enjoying a week full of varied and delicious chicken thigh dinners.