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If you're looking for the perfect chicken dinner, then you've come to the right place! I've curated the 35 beststove top chicken thigh recipesthat are not only easy to make but are also packed with delicious flavor. Plus, I'll share some essential cooking tips and tricks to elevate your chicken game to the next level.
When it comes to quick and delicious dinners, chicken thighs are a go-to for busy weeknights. They cook up in a flash, are incredibly versatile, and are loved by the whole family.
Each of these stovetop chicken thigh recipes can help make dinnertime a breeze on even the busiest of evenings. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these dishes are perfect for anyone looking to whip up delicious meals without the hassle.
Whether you're in the mood for crispy skin, a savory pan sauce, a hearty stew, or comforting one-pot chicken and rice, there's a chicken thigh recipe here that's sure to become your new go-to dinner.
All of these delicious chicken recipes can be made on the stove so there's no need to turn on the oven. So, grab your skillet and let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love These Chicken Thigh Recipes
- Tasty- skillet chicken thighs have so much flavor!
- Juicy- perfectly juicy, tender chicken thighs
- Quick- chicken thighs cook quickly- perfect for a busy weeknight dinner
- Stovetop- all of these recipes can be made on the stovetop- no need to turn on the oven
- Family-friendly- both kids and adults will love these dishes
- Versatile- I've collected a wide variety of dishes- you're sure to find something you'll love!
Chicken Thighs vs Chicken Breasts
When it comes to chicken, the age-old debate between chicken thighs and chicken breasts is never-ending. Each cut has its own unique qualities.
Chicken breasts are known for their lean protein content. They're naturally lower in fat and calories than chicken thighs. Because they are low in fat, they can dry out easily during cooking.
Chicken thighs bring a different dimension to the table. They are inherently juicier and more flavorful due to their slightly higher fat content. This extra fat not only adds richness but also helps prevent overcooking, keeping them tender and moist.
How To Cook Chicken Thighs on the Stove
Stovetop cooking offers endless possibilities, allowing you to create everything from crispy and flavorful skin-on chicken thighs to tender and juicy boneless options, all with your choice of seasonings and sauces.
To cook chicken thighs on the stove, start by heating a frying pan or skillet like a cast-iron skillet over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil like olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking.
Season your chicken thighs with your favorite herbs and spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Let them sear until they develop a golden brown crust, usually around 4-5 minutes per side for bone-in chicken thighs.
If you're using boneless chicken thighs, the cook time may be a bit shorter, typically 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're fully cooked.
If you're making a pan sauce, remove the chicken thighs. Add the sauce ingredients to the pan (like wine, chicken broth, etc) and scape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add more flavor and make a delicious pan sauce.
Let the sauce simmer until it reduces. Then add the chicken back to the pan and let it finish cooking in the sauce.
Food Safety
Ensuring food safety is paramount when working with chicken, and it begins with proper cooking and storage practices.
When cooking chicken thighs on the stove or any other method, it's crucial to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated, leaving you with safe-to-eat, perfectly cooked chicken.
The best way to check this is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken .
To store chicken thighs properly, keep them in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Use them within a couple of days to maintain freshness. If you plan to store them longer, consider freezing. Seal them tightly in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and label with the date.
When defrosting frozen chicken, do so in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Practicing good food safety habits not only safeguards your health. It also guarantees that your stovetop chicken thigh recipes are as safe as they are delicious.
Have you ever wonderedhow long chicken can sit outbefore you need to toss it? Read my post all about how to properly handle and store chicken to help ensure that it's always safe to eat!
Meat Thermometer
Invest in a good meat thermometer and never overcook or undercook meat again!
35 Easy Stove Top Chicken Thigh Recipes
Here's my collection of the best easy chicken thigh recipes that can be made on the stovetop. As you'll see, there's a wide variety of recipes in here. Whether you're looking for perfectly seasoned crispy chicken thighs or chicken thighs cooked in a delicious pan sauce made with ingredients like garlic, herbs, white wine, and even champagne, I've got you covered!
These stove top chicken thigh recipes also include hearty braised stews, Asian curries, and stir-fried noodle dishes studded with juicy pieces of chicken. I've also included some soups, pasta dishes and chicken and rice dishes, which are the ultimate comforting one-pot meals.
Chicken thighs marry well with many flavors and there are a lot of international recipes in this collection. I've got everything from Mediterranean chicken dishes, to Asian curries and noodles, to vibrant Peruvian chicken served with the most delicious green sauce.
So, whether you're a fan of rich and hearty stews or crave the zesty flair of stir-fry, there's a stovetop chicken thigh recipe here that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Let's dive in and discover your next culinary masterpiece!
Whole Chicken Thighs
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Juicy teriyaki chicken thighs are cooked in a skillet and coated with a glossy, sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes and it's much healthier than take out!
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Quick and Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Rustic, hearty, and perfect for fall, my Chicken Cacciatore is easy to make and packed with fresh flavor.
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Coq au Vin Blanc- pinch and swirl
A simplified version of the French classic! Made with just Chicken thighs in a Dutch oven using your choice of dry white wines. An easy recipe using everyday ingredients!
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce- Easy Chicken Recipes
So easy, but loaded with fresh and vibrant flavors, this Peruvian chicken is one delicious dinner. Marinated with lime, spices and herbs.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs- Chef Not Required...
Tender chicken thighs smothered in a parmesan cream sauce packed with semi dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic and bacon.
Asian Style Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs- Easy Family Recipes
If you love sweet and savory Asian style chicken, you have to try this easy dinner recipe! Tender boneless chicken thighs are simmered in a honey garlic sauce until tender and served with rice, all in under 30 minutes.
Miso Jidori Chicken Thighs- The Heirloom Pantry
Miso Jidori Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and dressed in a rich, umami-packed miso sauce. These thighs require minimal effort and make a flavorful main course or topping for ramen or a rice bowl.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms- Lemons + Zest
Creamy and comforting, this 20 minute Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms in White Wine Sauce recipe is the perfect dinner the family will love!
Crispy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs- Where is my Spoon
Cast iron chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a skillet, using only the stovetop. Juicy meat, crispy skin, minimum work, and ingredients. Ready in about half an hour.
The Best Buffalo Chicken Thighs- Little Sunny Kitchen
Marinated Buffalo Chicken Thighs make the most flavorful and delicious meal that is easy to cook on the stovetop or in the oven.
Turmeric Chicken Thighs- Through The Fibro Fog
These turmeric chicken thighs are cooked in a delicious creamy sauce for an indulgent yet easy to make skillet chicken dinner!
Lemon Chicken- Wonders of Cooking
Lemon Chicken is tender, juicy, savory, and perfect for every season. Add it to your cast iron skillet-friendly list of recipes.
Chicken au Champagne- Cooking with Curls
Rustic and elegant, this Chicken au Champagne is sure to please everyone around the dinner table, for date night or a casual meal.
Pollo a la Mostaza- M. A. Kitchen
Pollo a la mostaza is a juicy and tender chicken dish laced with a creamy Dijon sauce. This insanely appetizing mustard chicken recipe is perfect for dinner any weeknight.
Apricot Chicken with Ginger- What a Girl Eats
This apricot glazed chicken is a quick and easy meal ready in under 20 minutes. It only has five ingredients and it’s also gluten free and paleo friendly.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Leeks- My Therapist Cooks
Super easy braised chicken thighs with a delicious lemon garlic butter sauce!
Fricase de Pollo- GypsyPlate
Fricase de Pollo, or Cuban Chicken Fricassee, features tender chicken in a tomato and wine sauce along with veggies and plenty of seasonings.
Stir Fry and Curries
Chicken Udon Noodles- Cook Republic
Easy 20-minute Chicken Udon Noodles packed with protein and veggies. Made extra saucy with a delicious homemade Asian stir-fry sauce, these noodles are better than takeout and perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Chicken Panang Curry- An Edible Mosaic
This satisfying Chicken Panang Curry recipe has a creamy coconut milk base and a delicately balanced flavor profile, and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Quick Chicken Stir Fry- Cooking with Lei
This chicken thigh stir fry recipe is a big-time saver. The chicken is so tender and juicy with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions and carrots.
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken- Jamil Ghar
One pan, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken cooks in a sticky-sweet base of coconut water, caramelized shallots, lemongrass, and ginger. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serrano chilies to complement the sweet and delicious chicken.
Fijian Chicken Curry- A Tasty Kitchen
Learn to make this chicken curry from scratch and enjoy the aromatic flavours of the South Pacific with an Indian influence.
Soup
Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup- Love from the Table
This simple and delicious soup recipe is the perfect comfort food. Full of tender cooked chicken, flavorful vegetables and hearty egg noodles, a warm bowl of soup is exactly what you need to get you through the cold weather.
Golden Glow Soup- The Peasant's Daughter
Glow up with Golden Glow soup! A satisfying chicken, bone broth, lemon, sweet potato, carrot, pepper, turmeric and ginger soup recipe.
Chicken and Rice
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken- Garlic & Zest
Looking for quick one pan meals? This easy One Pan Chicken and Rice has mushrooms & sun dried tomatoes and it’s ready in only 45 minutes.
Halal Chicken and Rice- Amira's Pantry
This Halal cart chicken and rice recipe is easy to prepare and delicious. Perfect for parties or family dinners and it tastes just like the real thing.
Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Skillet- Easy Family Recipes
Try this easy one-pot, cheesy salsa verde chicken and rice skillet for a delicious family friendly dinner on even the busiest weeknights.
Chicken And Rice With Peas And Carrots- Wonders of Cooking
This savory chicken and rice with peas and carrots is a comforting classic. This one-pot meal can be made in less than an hour.
Peruvian Chicken and Rice- Beyond Mere Sustenance
This flavor-packed recipe brings a little Peruvian soul to your table. With boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a healthy quantity of veggies, it’s a fantastic one pot meal!
Miscellaneous
Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
My Tandoori Chicken Kebabs feature succulent chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices and grilled to perfection. These tasty kebabs are equally suitable for a weeknight barbecue or for weekend entertaining. Serve them with yogurt and naan bread and you've got the perfect summer meal!
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Chicken Alfredo- Healthy Recipes 101
This classic Italian pasta recipe is loaded with mushrooms, chicken, and tossed in creamy homemade sauce.
Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken- Always Use Butter
Make this flavor packed Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken in just 20 minutes for a deliciously simple weeknight meal with minimal prep and no chopping.
Chicken Stroganoff- Foxes Love Lemons
If you love the flavors of beef stroganoff but would really prefer chicken, this Chicken Stroganoff is what you’re looking for.
Citrus Marinated Chicken Tacos- Cinnamon & Sage Co.
Elevate your taco night with these mouth watering Citrus Marinated Chicken Tacos. Between the jalapeno, orange, lemon and lime flavors, this zesty dinner will leave the whole family begging for more!
Tori Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)- Savour the Pho
Discover the irresistible flavors of Tori Karaage (Tatsutaage Chicken). Juicy, crispy, gluten-free and full of Japanese goodness!!
I hope this roundup has inspired you to explore the versatility of chicken thighs and embark on your own culinary journey. So, fire up your stovetop, grab your favorite skillet, and let your kitchen be the stage for countless delicious dishes!
Side Dishes To Make With Chicken Thighs
- Easy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
- Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bread (Low Carb, Keto)
About the author
Dr. Sonali Ruder
Meet Dr. Sonali Ruder aka The Foodie Physician- ER doctor, chef, culinary creator & mom.
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