Soups and Stews
Take the guesswork out of dinner planning with this collection of our best chicken thigh recipes! Here you’ll find our most tried, tested, and loved recipes, including juicy, baked bone-in chicken thighs, sheet pan boneless chicken thigh recipes, BBQs, one-pot wonders, soups, stews, and more!
Don't sleep on chicken thighs! Many of us go straight for boneless, skinless chicken breasts-and don’t get me wrong I love a good chicken breast recipe. But if you’ve been here a while you know I’m very much a thigh person, and that’s because the thigh is the juiciest, most flavorful cut you can get. And the best part: Unlike chicken breasts which can easily dry out, thighs are nearly impossible to mess up.
So to make meal planning easy for you, I rounded up this list of our most popular chicken thigh recipes. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe or you’re a seasoned home cook looking for a show-stopping main dish for your next dinner party, I’ve got just the recipe for you!
Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes
I turn to baked chicken thigh recipes when I want a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time. The trusty pan frees me up to make healthy sides and salads while the oven does most of the work. All of these recipes are the definition of low-fuss, but the chicken gets restaurant-level tender. And, of course, loaded with bold Mediterranean flavor!
Greek Sheet-Pan Chicken
Are sheet pan dinners convenient? Sure. But what’s most noteworthy about this sheet pan chicken thigh recipe is the flavor-bomb Greek dressing! This oregano, garlic, and lemon dressing coats the chicken and veggies while they roast, infusing every single bite with bold, savory flavors.
Juiciest Baked Chicken Thighs
Keep this foolproof chicken thigh recipe handy at all times for an easy go-to dinner option. The chicken thighs are tender, succulent, and made with just a handful of pantry staples like garlic, smoked Paprika, and lemon. Plus, the thighs bake in the flavorful sauce so you don’t need to marinate, making it quick and easy!
Middle Eastern Baharat Baked Chicken Thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs and baby potatoes are coated in Baharat, a warming, fragrant spice blend with sweet undertones (read all about it here, and try our favorite Baharat Spice Blend at our shop). This one-pan dinner takes just 15 minutes of prep time! Serve with a hearty Mediterranean Three Bean Salad or a simple Tomato Salad.
Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs with Shallots and Mushrooms
Healthy, comforting, and tender, these braised bone-in chicken thighs require very little effort yet result in big flavors! The chicken thighs are seasoned with a Mediterranean herb blend, given a hint of sweetness from dried figs and apricots, and slow-cooked in a red wine sauce. Serve over a bed of Lebanese Rice.
Easy Balsamic Chicken
You only need about 30 minutes to make your new favorite weeknight dinner! Boneless chicken thighs are soaked in a balsamic marinade, made with the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Serve this versatile recipe with roasted veggies, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, or fluffy Couscous.
Easy Homemade Chicken Shawarma
The secret to this authentic chicken shawarma recipe is in the simple shawarma spice mixture, made with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika (stock up at our shop). For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for a few hours beforehand. Then, while the chicken is roasting, prepare the tahini sauce or tzatziki, and serve it in pita pockets topped with arugula and Mediterranean salad.
Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
This juicy, one-pan chicken thigh recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in about an hour. Bone-in chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful cilantro lime sauce until they’re crispy on top and fall-apart tender. Make a batch of Basmati Rice while they’re roasting, and serve with Green Beans and crusty bread.
Moroccan-Inspired Chicken Couscous
This chicken couscous is filled with veggies and warming Moroccan spices. And it’s very low-effort-the couscous whips up in about 10 minutes while the chicken is baking. Serve with Taktouka (Moroccan Tomato And Roasted Bell Pepper Salad).
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Vegetables
This all-in-one sheet pan meal is complete with chicken, vegetables, and fiber-rich sweet potatoes. There’s no need for any extra sides! Why dirty more dishes when you don’t have to, right? A mixture of warming spices (paprika, coriander, and allspice which you can find at our spice shop) gives this chicken thigh recipe warming flavors, making it the perfect dinner for a cozy night at home.
Pastilla (Skillet Chicken Pie)
Tender shredded chicken filling wrapped in layers of flaky phyllo dough combine to make this North African version of chicken pot pie. Typically reserved for special occasions, this savory chicken dish is easy to make, but it does take some time and patience. It’s perfect for a dinner party, particularly alongside something fresh, like Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Sheet-Pan Chicken with Chickpeas and Carrots
Earthy and bright flavors take this sheet pan chicken thigh recipe to the next level, with heart-healthy chickpeas for an added nutrition boost! The entire dinner comes together in 30 minutes. All you have to do is chop some veggies and toss them all together in a savory tomato and spice rub. Chickpeas add fiber-rich carbs, making this sheet pan recipe a complete dinner. It won’t hurt to serve it with a chunk of crusty bread or a simple Lemony Lettuce Salad though!
Greek-Style Chicken Orzo
Tender, creamy, Greek-style comfort food made in just one pan with no butter or heavy cream. Featuring a bold seasoning blend and flavor-packed tomato broth, this dinner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Whip up a traditional Greek Salad while the chicken thighs and orzo are baking.
Pomegranate Chicken Thigh
This dairy-free Persian-inspired bone-in chicken thigh recipe is full of tangy sweet flavor! It’s best prepared early in the day so the spice rub has plenty of time to work its magic. Finish with fresh pomegranate seeds (tips here) and a garnish of dried mint, and serve with Roasted Greek Potatoes.
Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
One of my favorite chicken thigh recipes! This healthy lemon chicken is ready in just over 20 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week. While marinating the chicken a few hours in advance will impart maximum flavor, it’s not absolutely necessary. Serve with Greek green beans and roasted potatoes, and dinner is done!
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Some of the best chicken thigh recipes are made on the grill! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quickly over the grill’s high heat and are nearly fail-proof. The secret to delicious flavor is a bold marinade, which is why I never skimp on herbs, spices and aromatics. And if you find yourself craving grilled chicken thighs when the weather isn't cooperating, just use a grill pan on the stove!
Easy Persian-Style Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Fuss-free and perfect for beginners, this ridiculously easy boneless, skinless chicken thigh recipe is full of fragrant Persian-style flavors, including citrus, garlic, fennel and sumac (which you can try for yourself at our shop). Served with a fresh tomato and avocado salad, this grilled chicken thigh recipe is best enjoyed during the warm summer months when the tomatoes are singing!
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Dill Yogurt Sauce
In this simple yet delicious dinner, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, marinated, and grilled until tender and juicy. I love them topped with an herby Greek yogurt sauce inspired by Tzatziki, and plenty of Pita Bread to go around.
Grilled Harissa Chicken
Make a quick chicken dinner loaded with flavor in about 30 minutes! Harissa is a bold North African condiment that loads the chicken with a complex flavor- slightly sweet, spicy, smokey, and citrusy. (Make it yourself or find my favorite store-bought version at our shop.) These chicken thighs take just 3 simple steps, leaving you plenty of time to whip up Couscous and Cucumber Radish Salad.
Grilled Shish Tawook
A Mediterranean breakfast board is one of the healthiest ways to kickstart your day, and a great way to feed a crowd. With fresh veggies, falafel, hummus, olives, pita, and a touch of cheese, it's almost too beautiful to eat! And you can easily prep everything in advance without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade Döner Kebab
Make these tasty and nutritious chicken kebabs either on the grill during a hot summer day, or inside in the oven for a quick and convenient option. Regardless of how they’re cooked, these chicken thighs become fork-tender and are loaded with flavor from garlic, citrus, and warming Middle Eastern herbs. Döner kebabs are versatile and can be served in wraps with Lavash Bread and Cucumber Tomato Salad, platter-style, or as a topping for salad or [TAG50] bowls.
Stovetop Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs lend themselves well to stovetop cooking because they become juicy and tender in as little as 20 minutes. And they're very forgiving: they remain tender even after even with a long simmer, like for soups and stews. Check out these stovetop chicken thigh recipes for easy chicken dinners with little to no fuss.
Chicken Puttanesca
This fall-off-the-bone tender chicken thigh recipe comes together in just one pan in 40 minutes. Umami-rich tomato sauce and classic Italian herbs make this an exceptional weeknight dinner full of big flavors! You’ll want to serve it with something like this Rosemary Focaccia Bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This is a weeknight-friendly version of the classic, made with store-bought chicken stock and gnocchi to save time (but you can certainly make the Chicken Stock and Gnocchi from scratch if you’d like). Tender, pillowy gnocchi add a good amount of heft, eliminating the need for a heavy, roux-based sauce. I use a rich and flavorful broth base packed with shredded boneless chicken thighs and loads of fresh vegetables.
Green Goddess Chicken Thighs
Make this easy, mouthwatering boneless chicken thigh recipe in under 20 minutes! The chicken thighs are loaded with flavor thanks to the herby, 5-minute Green Goddess Dressing made with creamy, dairy-free tahini (stock up at our shop).
Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Hearty, rustic, and saucy, this recipe is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner at home. Bone-in chicken thighs are gently stewed in a flavorful, dairy-free tomato sauce along with mushrooms and bell peppers. Make when your family is craving cold-weather comfort food, with crusty bread to soak up every last bit!
Uncle Samy's Skillet Onion Chicken
This lighter version of French onion chicken is gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of deep, oniony flavor. With just 5 ingredients, you can have a savory skillet chicken thigh recipe that will leave your tastebuds begging for more! Serve it over Basmati Rice, and don’t let a single drop of the delicious pan sauce go to waste!
Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Chicken Stew)
In this rich chicken stew, chicken thighs are slowly simmered in a pomegranate molasses and walnut sauce until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. This decadent special-occasion dish is best reserved for a Sunday supper when you have plenty of time to let the flavors develop. Serve with a sprinkling of fresh pomegranate seeds and Crispy Persian Rice.
Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice
You can have a complete dinner on the table made entirely in just one pot thanks to this recipe! This meal is a family favorite and is regularly found on our weeknight dinner menu. The entire recipe is infused with warming Middle Eastern flavors, and it’s made without butter or dairy. Chopped veggies and chickpeas add an extra dose of fiber and nutrition, too!
Chicken Stew
Hearty, filling and rich, this stew is made in one pot in just under an hour. Boneless chicken thighs and fresh vegetables slowly simmer in tomato broth until the meat is fork-tender and the broth has thickened into a velvety rich consistency. Make this when you’re craving healthy comfort food with big flavors, and serve it over couscous.
Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowls
Make quick and healthy chicken shawarma at home without any special equipment in under 30 minutes! Similar to my Baked Chicken Shawarma, this skillet shawarma is juicy, flavorful, and can be served in a variety of ways! I love it in these low-carb salad bowls with warm, homemade pita wedges on the side.
Skillet Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe
This fuss-free skillet recipe is made in just 30 minutes using a handful of pantry staples. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a honey Dijon sauce and placed directly in the oven. Serve warm alongside this Balela Salad for a protein-packed, low carb dinner.
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The post 29 Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes for Weeknight Dinners Done Right appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.
By: Suzy KaradshehTitle: 29 Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes for Weeknight Dinners Done Right
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/chicken-thigh-recipes/
Published Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Banana permitted in the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, bananas may be eaten on the Mediterranean Diet. Bananas are a low-calorie and nutritious fruit that can provide dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. It can be added to smoothies, soups, salads, and even sweet potatoes as a healthy side or main dish. For added protein, you can enjoy it as a snack with nuts butter like peanut or almond. When following the Mediterranean diet, it may be beneficial to pair fruits such as bananas with a source of healthy fats like nuts and seeds to improve digestion and promote satiety when eating meals throughout the day.
Is it possible for me to lose weight following the Mediterranean Diet?
Yes, it's possible to lose weight with the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and high-quality fats like olive oils, can help to reduce calories and provide essential nutrients that will improve your overall health. To help lose weight, you can incorporate physical activity into your eating habits. When paired with the right mindset and attitude, eating less processed food, less red meat, and less added sugars can help to maintain a healthy weight.
What foods are not permitted on a Mediterranean-style diet?
Certain food groups are excluded from the Mediterranean diet, such as processed foods and added sugars. Certain foods shouldn't be eaten to maintain the health benefits associated with this dietary pattern. These foods can be eaten occasionally, but they can have a negative impact on the health benefits of Mediterranean-style eating.
The Mediterranean diet prohibits whole-grain breads as well as starches, including white bread, sugary cereals, breads made from refined flours, and any other high-processed baked goods. These items are rapidly absorbed as sugars into your system and can cause weight increase over time. These items are also less nutritious than whole grain options such as millet or quinoa.
Other sugars fall under this category too. Limit your intake of sweetened beverages, such as soda, tea with added sugars, or juices. These won't help you manage weight, or provide healthy nutrient profiles.
Red meats and processed meats are not recommended for Mediterranean-style meals. Red meats or processed meats contain high amounts of saturated fat. This increases cholesterol and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Nitrates found in processed lunchmeat can raise cancer risks because they are linked to cell damage responses and may be harmful to cells. Avoid eating dairy products as they can contain high amounts of saturated fats.
Finally, fish ought not to be consumed beyond three times per week according to reliable estimates by nutrition experts who advocate for adhering strictly to certain limits depending on the type of fish being served up during mealtime plans - choose wisely which types you consume as some may contain mercury issues which diminish its healthful value impacting its nutritional intake benefits overlooked in most cases otherwise stated upfront when researching general information on particular seafood varieties commonly found strewn across local deli displays seen regularly at markets worldwide today.
Is the Mediterranean diet primarily plant-based?
Yes, the Mediterranean Diet is primarily a plant-based diet. This ancient diet is primarily based on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes (nuts), and seeds. However, animal proteins such as poultry, fish, and red meat are also present in smaller portions due to their traceable presence around the Mediterranean Sea historically. If you choose to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, these protein sources can be eliminated. Tofu and soy yogurt are excellent options for additional nutrition and protein.
Is the Mediterranean diet safe for people with diabetes?
People with diabetes or other health issues will find the Mediterranean Diet helpful. This diet emphasizes whole foods, minimizes refined sugars or carbs, and places more emphasis on healthy fats than butter or oil. This diet reduces the risk of developing diabetes and lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Incorporating light exercise into your diet can help stabilize and regulate blood sugar levels. A balanced diet that includes healthy food substitutions, such as whole-grain bread being replaced with whole-grain bread and nuts being added to salads rather than crackers, can help manage symptoms of many different conditions.
Can the Mediterranean Diet also be vegetarian?
Yes, the Mediterranean Diet is adaptable to vegetarianism. For this diet, vegetarians can choose to eat a variety of plant-based proteins, such as fish and poultry. They could choose various plant-based options for protein sources like legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are staples in the Mediterranean Diet. Healthy fats such as olive oils, olives, or avocados can help to replace the protein source. Tofu and soy yogurt are also options to increase vitamins and minerals in this diet. You can also try other options such as mashing beans with toast, adding nuts or seeds to salads and bowls, serving hummus throughout the day with vegetables, or substituting ice-cream with frozen banana slices for dessert.
Is it possible to use extra virgin olive oil in place of regular olive oil?
You can choose regular olive oil over extra virgin olive if you follow the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (EVOO), has a higher quality, more nutritional benefits, and a milder flavor. Regular olive oil, however, is still an option. Regular olive oil works well for everyday meals, such as roasting vegetables to stir fry dishes. It is more affordable than EVOO and may be more suited for high heat applications like deep frying. But, it doesn't have the same nutrients or positive compound as EVOO. You should make up these benefits by eating other foods whenever you can.
Statistics
- Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
- The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
- In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
- Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
External Links
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- (PDF). The Association Between Dietary Patterns & Insulin Resistance: a Systematic Review
- (PDF) Citrus as part of the Mediterranean diet
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- Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News
- Best Diets Overall 2023 - Expertly Reviewed - US News Health
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How To
How can the Mediterranean Diet lower your risk of Stroke or Heart Disease?
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan that includes whole grains, legumes and fruits as well as healthy fats. It has been linked to numerous health benefits such as better blood lipids. better glucose control. reduced risk of developing certain cancers. It has been shown that this dietary strategy could lower your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.
It is possible to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your daily diet by swapping high-calorie snacks like chips for nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes. In order to enhance your hunger relief, it is important to learn how you can increase the variety of your diet. For added nutrition, dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, or milk should be consumed in moderate quantities throughout the day. To complete the Mediterranean experience, olive oil should be used as the primary cooking fat. Red wine can also be enjoyed occasionally.
When combined with regular exercise at a vigorous pace, you could experience even more positive short-term outcomes and long-term effects on your body composition. The Mediterranean diet encourages eating well and maintains a healthy nutritional balance. This can help to reduce one's chances of suffering from stroke or heart disease.
Resources:
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[TAG66]Healthline ranked the Mediterranean Diet number 1 for the following reasons: Numerous studies associate the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart |
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[TAG67]The Mediterranean diet originates in the food cultures of ancient civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean Basin and is based on the regular |
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[TAG68]Psychology Today reports: Eating more green, leafy vegetables and less red meat were associated with improved cognitive functioning in a recent study of older |
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[TAG69]This review of five human studies on the Mediterranean diet examines its effects on weight loss, various diseases, and the risk of death. |
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[TAG70]CNBC reports that Joan Salge Blake, Boston University’s clinical professor of nutrition says: “‘Poor protein [intake] can contribute to fatigue, and that’s the |
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[TAG71]The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced mortality risk and lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. |
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[TAG72]According to Olive Oil Times: The authors of the meta-study, published in Current Obesity Reports, noted that hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, several |
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[TAG73]The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, provides an array of health benefits, |
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[TAG74]The study described in The Epoch Times found: In the conclusions of this study, the authors prefer the Mediterranean diet over the Keto diet because the key to |
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[TAG75]The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. |
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[TAG76]Abstract. Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in minimally processed plant foods has been associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple chronic diseases |
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[TAG77]It’s an easy (and delicious!) change that can turn your diet into a disease-fighting tool. |
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[TAG78]There are many misconceptions about the Mediterranean diet. Learn what it really means and how it can help you live a healthier, longer life. |
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[TAG79]A review article published in the journal Experimental Gerontology describes the utility of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in the prevention and management of |
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