Chicken thighs are what you might call “a flavor savior.” Fat often equals flavor, and chicken thighs have a lot of fat, and therefore a lot of flavors. Most everyday consumers might not think about the meat they eat as being part of a whole animal, but chicken in particular has big differences between each cut. If you’re resolving to cook at home more, learning to use chicken and all its parts is one of the best ways to do it.
Bold, spicy seasoning like barbecue sauce, garlic, rosemary, and thyme all go well with chicken thighs. The thighs have a darker, richer flavor than the rest of the meat. These spices come forward better with darker, richer cuts of chicken. For more spice-heavy cuisine, like Latin American, Indian, or Chinese food, chicken thighs are more common as bases. They can be roasted, grilled, fried, baked, or stewed. These recipes are a few of the ways to use this versatile kitchen staple, with international flavors, fruits, and vegetable combinations.
Try These Creative Ways to Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken Thighs Around the World
Green Curry Chicken Thighs
This green curry chicken thigh recipe uses a woodfired oven to get the maximum tenderness on the meat. Pair this dish with our Charred Green Papaya Salad, also using Southeast Asian spices in a woodfired oven.
Asian Stone Fruit Chicken Bake
Chicken and apricots are savory soulmates, with the fat in chicken thighs pairing with the juices in the stone fruits. This chicken bake is as beautiful to look at as it delicious is to eat.
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Copycat Recipe
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go out and get Kung Pao Chicken again. Though Chinese takeout has its place as a comfort food, it’s always rewarding to make your own version of a favorite dish.
Chicken Chaap
Bengali chef Asma Khan shared this recipe with us, a “unique dish from Bengal, a korma infused with mace and nutmeg that is quite different from the super-sweet raisin-and-nut-filled kormas served in many restaurants.”
Easy, Simple Chicken Thigh Recipes
Simple Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a crowd-pleaser some people might remember from dinner parties in the ‘80s. The mixture of brown sugar and white wine makes it a balance of sweet and savory flavors with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken
You can use either chicken thighs or chicken legs for this roasted chicken recipe. But the thighs are fattier and will create more flavor. While the legs can be crispy, too, the thighs let the rosemary and thyme shine.
Shawarma Chicken Kabobs
While these aren’t exactly, shawarma, the shawarma-style kabob is easy for a potluck, party, or appetizer. The key is the spices: that’s what ties it to Middle Eastern flavors. The coriander, cumin, paprika, and garlic are the star of the shows here.
Chipotle Chicken Chowder
This creamy, substantial chowder has a surprisingly complex flavor that lingers on your palate. Because it has cream in it as well as spices, it’s a good choice for a dinner with someone less inclined towards spicy food—the spices are mellowed by the creamy chowder.
Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms, Cream & Tarragon
The umami flavor of mushrooms pairs well with chicken, and the tarragon and cream keep this from being just plain old roasted chicken. This dish combines a beautiful presentation with mouthwatering flavor—perfect for a date night in to share with someone you care about.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Leeks and Mushrooms
Cookbook writer Lidey Heuck brought us this recipe from her 2024 book, Cooking in Real Life. Cook like a pro with this leeks, mushroom, and chicken combination inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe!
Honey Mustard Chicken with Celery Root Slaw
Here’s another take on the honey mustard chicken, this time with a slaw on the side to balance out the meat. The slow sear on this chicken creates a memorably juicy way to enjoy chicken thighs.
Story by Emma Riva
Photography by Dave Bryce, Laura Petrilla, and Tara Donne
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