30 Nutritious Recipes for Chicken Thighs: Healthy, Delicious, and Easy! 

November 14, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

If chicken breasts feel a little too dry or lacking in flavor for you, don’t fret! With these recipes for chicken thighs healthy and delicious meals are just a click away! All you have to do is check out these yummy recipes and find out which ones you like the best. Go ahead and get started! 

Chicken Thighs Healthy

1. Lemon and Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe uses whole and natural ingredients to flavor the chicken thighs and the results are delicious! Begin by arranging lemon quarters, garlic cloves, grated garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs in a baking dish. Drizzle the thighs with oil and seasonings and place on top of these ingredients. Bake until golden brown and then blend the drippings with honey and use as a delicious sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon and Garlic Chicken Thighs

2. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs 

The reason that these honey garlic thighs are healthy is because the recipe calls for a lot less oil. Here the thighs are cut up into pieces, coated in cornstarch, and then fried. They are then simmered in a mixture of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and broth until glazed in the yummy sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

3. Lemon and Herb Chicken Thighs 

Zesty, earthy, and delicious – these chicken thighs will impress anybody! The thighs are first seasoned with dried herbs and spices before being browned. They are then transferred to a baking dish and topped with lemon slices and scattered with fresh herbs of your choice. Bake until golden brown and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon and Herb Chicken Thighs

4. Chicken Thighs and Rice

If you are on the lookout for a more filling meal, then this is a recipe that you should check out! Saute veggies and aromatics before adding in spices, rice, and stock. Simmer all of this together for a while. Then, place browned chicken thighs on top of the dish and transfer to an oven and bake until done! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Thighs and Rice

5. Greek Chicken Thighs 

This recipe guarantees chicken with lovely bright flavors! Begin by marinating the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, herbs, and spices. Then, sear on each side before baking with lemon slices. Rest, scatter with feta and parsley, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Chicken Thighs

6. Moroccan Chicken Thighs 

There is a lot to love about this recipe – perfectly spiced chicken thighs joined by yummy vegetables that are all roasted together! Toss chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and onion in a mix of turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, and other seasonings. Then, lay out on a baking sheet and roast. Once done, mix with dried cherries and pistachios and drizzle with a homemade feta yogurt sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

7. Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs 

This dish boasts such bright and yummy flavors, perfect for a summertime meal! Begin by marinading the chicken in a mix of cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Then, saute until golden brown and serve with more lime juice and cilantro! 

Get the recipe here

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

8. Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs 

Smoky, sweet, with a hint of spice, these chicken thighs taste so good! Toss the thighs in a mix of smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, and seasonings. Then, arrange in a baking pan and bake until cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs

9. Garlic Dijon Chicken Thighs 

These chicken thighs are cooked in the yummiest sauce, complete with earthy and zesty notes! Coat the chicken with a combination of olive oil, dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, and spices. Then, bake with onions and then sprinkle with parsley before serving! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Dijon Chicken Thighs

10. Italian Balsamic Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs 

This is such a simple meal that is perfect for putting together on a weeknight – as an added bonus, it is delicious too! Simply toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Then, roast until golden brown and cooked. Drizzle the chicken thighs with balsamic vinegar and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Italian Balsamic Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

11. Baked Soy Chicken Thighs 

This recipe produces chicken thighs that are savory and aromatic with a hint of sweetness to it! First, marinate the chicken in low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, avocado oil, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Then, place the thighs on a baking tray along with the marinade and bake. Make sure to baste the chicken with the cooking juices until cooked through! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Soy Chicken Thighs

12. Slow Cooker Garlic Spiced Chicken Thighs 

This is an excellent set it and forget it meal! Start by coating the chicken thighs in spices and then searing. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker along with garlic, butter, and broth and simmer until perfectly tender! 

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Garlic Spiced Chicken Thighs

13. BBQ Chicken Thighs 

Yes, you can enjoy the flavor of barbecue and still keep things healthy! Toss the chicken thighs in a healthy homemade barbecue rub and then marinate for a while. Cook the thighs on the grill and then baste with barbecue sauce at the end. Grill for a little longer, rest, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Chicken Thighs

14. Curried Chicken Thighs 

Nutritious and delicious – you really can’t ask for much more from a recipe! First, marinate the chicken in coconut milk and curry paste. Then, grill or bake the chicken thighs until they are golden brown. Serve with a cilantro peanut salad for an additional boost of protein! 

Get the recipe here

Curried Chicken Thighs

15. Baked Chicken Marinara 

In addition to being healthy, these chicken thighs are also yummy and super easy to make – there is almost no prep work involved! Lay onion slices on a baking sheet and then arrange seasoned chicken thighs on top. Pour marinara sauce over each thigh and then bake until tender! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Chicken Marinara

16. Chicken Shawarma and Rice Bowl 

This is such a savory and spicy dish, perfect for when you are craving something full of flavor! The chicken is marinated in lemon juice and spices like turmeric, sumac, coriander, and cumin and cooked however you like. It is then paired with rice and chickpeas cooked in broth and seasonings! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Shawarma and Rice Bowl

17. Chicken and Black Bean Stew

This is just the dish that you need when you need something comforting but still packed with flavor! For this recipe, the chicken thighs and black beans are simmered in spices, aromatics, tomatoes, broth, and jalapenos. Stir in cilantro and serve the stew with sour cream and cheese! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken and Black Bean Stew

18. Chicken Lentil Curry

If you are looking to bump up the protein in your diet, then this is the recipe for you! Begin by sauteing aromatics and spices before stirring in the lentils and chicken thighs. Pour in tomatoes, stock, and coconut milk and simmer until everything is tender. Then, stir in cilantro and lemon juice before serving over rice! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Lentil Curry

19. Crispy Chili Chicken 

Most takeout dishes are pretty far from healthy so this recipe shows you how to make a more wholesome version at home! Slice the chicken thighs, coat in egg and cornflour and then fry until golden brown. Follow this up by simmering the chicken in a mix of garlic, chili, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and slurry. Serve with steamed veggies! 

Get the recipe here

Crispy Chili Chicken

20. Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs 

These chicken thighs pack quite the powerful flavor punch and they also come with a side of veggies! Start by tossing the thighs in a mix of brown sugar, cumin, chipotle chili powder, chili powder, and other spices. Then, lay out on a baking sheet and surround the chicken with broccoli and onions. Bake everything until tender and golden brown before drizzling with a mix of honey mustard sauce!  

Get the recipe here

Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs

21. Aromatic Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs  

You get to enjoy so many different kinds of flavor with these chicken thighs – you have to try this recipe! Marinate the chicken in ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and orange juice for a while. Then, arrange on a baking sheet and top with a lemon slice. Bake until golden brown and then serve with fresh thyme and roasted tomatoes! 

Get the recipe here

Aromatic Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs

22. Chicken Thighs with Apples

Add some natural sweetness to your chicken thighs with this recipe! Simmer apples, carrots, and onions in apple cider, broth, and honey. Then, add in browned chicken tossed in cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Bake all of this until everything is tender and flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Thighs with Apples

23. Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs 

With these bright and delicious flavors, this is a recipe that is designed to perk you right up! The chicken thighs are marinated in a mix of lemon juice and zest, olive oil, rosemary, and spices. Then, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet. Toss potatoes and brussel sprouts in the marinade before placing alongside the chicken and roasting everything! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs

24. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs 

This is a good recipe to try when you are craving flavorful crispy fried chicken! Toss the chicken thighs in spices and then air fry on each side until golden brown. Then, squeeze some lemon juice over the thighs and sprinkle with parsley!

Get the recipe here

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

25. Harissa Chicken Thighs and Veggies 

Healthy doesn’t have to be boring and here’s the proof! Marinate the chicken in  a mix of harissa, spices, lemon juice, and oil. Then, toss the veggies in spices and tahini and roast everything, tossing as you go. Serve the chicken and veggies with a drizzle of tahini! 

Get the recipe here

Harissa Chicken Thighs and Veggies

26. Greek Yogurt Chicken Thighs 

Greek yogurt is a low calorie way to ensure that your chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. The thighs are marinated in yogurt, spices, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Then, they are fried in the air fryer on each side until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Yogurt Chicken Thighs

27. Vietnamese Style Baked Chicken Thighs 

If you want to add as much flavor to your chicken thighs as possible, then this is a recipe to try out! Coat the chicken thighs with a marinade made from soy sauce, fish sauce, aromatics, lime juice and zest, cilantro, and more. Then, bake the chicken before broiling. Serve with lime slices and cilantro! 

Get the recipe here

Vietnamese Style Baked Chicken Thighs

28. BBQ Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs 

Savory, sweet, with a touch of spicy and aromatic, these chicken thighs are too good to resist! Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, low sugar barbecue sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha, chives, and brown sugar. Grill before sprinkling on more chives and serving!  

Get the recipe here

BBQ Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs

29. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore 

Saucy, savory, and with veggies – this recipe has it all! Add tomatoes and tomato paste to the bottom of a slow cooker and top with spice seasoned thighs. Add peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions to this and simmer until everything is perfectly tender. Serve the chicken with the pan sauce!  

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

30. Lemon Chicken and Kale

These chicken thighs are creamy and herby with a bit of a zing from the lemon! The seasoned and browned chicken and kale are added to a sauce made from lemon juice, broth, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast. This is then all baked until tender and tasty! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Chicken and Kale

There you go – eating healthy can be a lot of fun and these recipes prove it! So, the next time you want to whip up something a bit more wholesome or light, you know exactly what recipes to try out. In fact, don’t just wait around – go ahead and try out these recipes for your family right away! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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