Our 53 Best Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes

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 51 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

Photo by 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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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Photo by ICGOLDFISH

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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Chef John's Chicken Tikka Masala

Photo by 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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Spicy Chicken Thai Soup

Photo by 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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Rusty Chicken Thighs

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by

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

Photo by 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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Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Photo by 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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Joe's General Tso's Chicken

Photo by 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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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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)

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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)

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by

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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by

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

Photo by

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

Photo by

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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by

“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

Photo by 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

Photo by 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

Photo by

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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Our 53 Best Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes

Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Chef John's Chicken Tikka Masala

Spicy Chicken Thai Soup

Rusty Chicken Thighs

Grilled Chicken Adobo

Perfect Chicken

Chicken Tagine

Spicy Orange Chicken

Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Joe's General Tso's Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Chef John's Chicken Tinga

Burmese Chicken Curry

Chicken and Veggie Miso Soup (Instant Pot Version)

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Taquitos

Hatch Chile Enchilada Pie

Larb – Laotian Chicken Mince

Best Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Red Curry Chicken and Pumpkin Soup

Popcorn Chicken (Taiwanese)

Amazing Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs

Chef John's Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Creamy Keto Chicken-Poblano Soup

Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Fresh Figs and Chicken Thighs in Shallot-Balsamic Reduction

Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo

Spicy Korean Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

Keto Chicken Fritters

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick

Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken Thigh Kebabs

One-Pot Keto Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice

Easy Chicken Yakitori

Instant Pot Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash and Spinach

Baja Grilled Chicken Tacos

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Plum Good Chicken Thighs

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) with Honey Mayoster Sauce

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Thai-Style Green Curry Chicken

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

Enchilada Baked Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Bowls

Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Chicken

Sofrito Chicken

More Inspiration

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