Got a package of chicken thighs and no idea what to do with them? We’ve all been there. Instead of staring blankly into your fridge, check out these easy recipes that turn chicken thighs into dinners worth talking about. Whether you’re into sheet pan simplicity or something with a bit more kick, these meals are the answer to “what’s for dinner?” tonight.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
A simple sheet pan dinner featuring chicken thighs and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans. Toss everything together on one pan, and you’ve got an easy, no-fuss meal ready in no time—great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Forget takeout—this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is way better. A sticky, sweet sauce with pineapple chunks makes this an easy and healthier option. Perfect for when you want a family favorite without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Gochujang Chicken
This gochujang chicken is ready in just 30 minutes. The sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce makes it a perfect weeknight dinner over white rice, and it’s a great way to use up a package of chicken thighs fast.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
These air fryer chicken leg quarters, which are just chicken thighs with the drumstick attached, deliver crispy skin and juicy meat in under 25 minutes. With a simple spice rub, this is an easy dinner that’s all about great flavor without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken
Coconut lime baked chicken served with coconut-infused mango sticky rice—this dish brings tropical vibes with minimal effort. A perfect option when you want something different but still quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken
Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Fried chicken gets a makeover with creamy goat cheese and tart cherry sauce. Crispy on the outside, tender inside—this dish is great when you want to switch things up for dinner while still using chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken
Marinated in yogurt and spices, then finished with a sweet maple glaze, this Indian-inspired chicken is a flavor bomb. It’s perfect for when you need a go-to chicken thigh recipe with bold, punchy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken
Bored with dinner? This cream cheese chicken is the answer. Seasoned with five spices, it’s creamy and full of savory goodness. It’s a great way to turn a package of chicken thighs into a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
This honey orange sesame chicken is a takeout fake-out you can make at home in minutes. Sticky, sweet, and easy to throw together, it’s perfect when you’ve got a package of chicken thighs and not much time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Sticky Thai Chicken
Sticky Thai chicken thighs that are better than takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dinner is full of great Thai flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight fix with chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken
Chicken Saag
This quick and easy chicken saag brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table without leaving home. Spinach and chicken curry come together perfectly, making this a great way to use up chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
Parmesan lemon chicken and broccoli, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a great quick weeknight meal that’s light, bright, and makes the most of a package of chicken thighs with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Buffalo wing flavor meets soup in this cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken orzo dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a simple and easy meal that turns chicken thighs into a hearty dinner everyone will want.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
