Healthy and Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes

Move over, chicken breasts! These Healthy and Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes are so juicy – you'll want to make them all the time.

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Chicken Thigh Recipes

Looking for a healthy, tasty and budget-friendly meal option? These chicken thigh recipes are where it’s at! This juicy cut of meat will stay juicy whether you’re cooking it on the stovetop or baking it in the oven. Chicken thighs also tend to be a bit cheaper than chicken breasts, so you’ll be saving a few bucks while you’re at it.

I rounded up some of my favourite chicken thigh recipes that include everything from the best marinades to meal prep bowls, stir fry dishes and more. Can't get enough chicken? Try these best chicken breast recipes for more easy ideas!

Are chicken thighs healthy?

Chicken breast may get the best rap when it comes to healthy protein options, but chicken thighs can be healthy, too! While thighs due have more fat and cholesterol than breasts, they’re still a fairly healthy protein option. Try not to fry them in oil or go overboard on the sodium and butter, and serve them with healthy veggies and grains for a nutritious meal.

Classic Chicken Thigh Recipes

While these recipes are classics, they definitely don't taste basic! They're my go-to when I'm really stuck with what to make and are an excellent way to try out new flavours or cooking methods.

Delicious Chicken Thigh Marinades {5 Ways}

50 minutes minutes

These Delicious Chicken Thigh Marinades are perfect for meal prep and super easy! Try Sesame, Chipotle, Greek, Balsamic and Honey Dijon.

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Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs {Bone-In or Boneless}

30 minutes minutes

This recipe for the Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs shows you how to cook juicy chicken, whether you're using boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. 

Make this recipe

Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 404mg | Potassium: 787mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1433IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs {Bone-In or Boneless}

These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are so crispy and juicy, seasoned with lemon pepper and paprika, and served with rice and coleslaw.

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Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 458mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 677IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Thighs via Eating Instantly

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Thighs come together in under 30 minutes with a delicious sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce. Serve with Asian coleslaw for a full meal!

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Chimichurri Chicken {Oven, Skillet or BBQ}

40 minutes minutes

This Chimichurri Chicken can be made in a skillet, the oven or on the grill. The parsley-based sauce is a taste of summer all year long!

Make this recipe

Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 1099mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2802IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4mg

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs via Eating Instantly

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs are the perfect summer food, no grill required! Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, or fresh or frozen.

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Meal Prep Bowls and Complete Dishes

Chicken thighs are the stars of these recipes! These complete meals are perfect to make for meal prep lunches or family dinners.

Korean Inspired Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

35 minutes minutes

These Korean Inspired Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a healthy make ahead lunch idea made up of chicken thighs, sesame coleslaw and jasmine rice!

Make this recipe

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 813mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Bowls

40 minutes minutes

These Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Bowls are great for your weekly lunches, with a homemade shawarma seasoning that’s made of pantry staples.

Make this recipe

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 22.3mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.3mg

Meal Prep Thai Basil Chicken

40 minutes minutes

This Meal Prep Thai Basil Chicken is a healthy stir fry idea that doubles as an easy 30-minute dinner or make-ahead lunch!

Make this recipe

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1534mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1050IU | Vitamin C: 51.2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2.2mg

Garlic Sesame Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

40 minutes minutes

These Garlic Sesame Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are perfect for your weekly meal prep and are made with the best sticky and sweet sauce!

Make this recipe

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 994mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 49.5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2.2mg

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

7 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a no-mess, no-fuss crockpot comfort food dinner. This make ahead recipe allows you to prep it and forget it.

Make this recipe

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 695mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4143IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

40 minutes minutes

This Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious restaurant copycat! The easy stir fry is made with spicy sauce, chicken and mixed veggies.

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Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1148IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 3mg

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo via Eating Instantly

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a delicious Filipino dish that comes together easily with the help of your pressure cooker!

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Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken via Eating Instantly

This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delicious sticky-sweet chicken served on a bed of rice. The dish is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans!

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