There’s something irresistibly tender about a well-cooked chicken thigh, but if you’ve been rotating the same old recipes, it’s time to try something new. Lucky for you, we’ve rustled up 19 inventive chicken thigh dishes that might’ve slipped under your radar. So, clear some space in your recipe book and get ready to up your poultry game.
Mongolian Chicken
A taste of the Mongolian plateau, this chicken thigh recipe delivers a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar. It introduces a delightful balance of sweetness and savory to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
A dive into the spicy world of Sichuan cuisine, chicken thighs are the star in this nutty, heat-packed dish. It’s a delightful way to experience traditional Chinese flavors.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Chicken Curry Laksa
Southeast Asian flavors shine in this rich and spicy noodle soup. Using chicken thighs adds a succulent texture, making it an uncharted delight for many.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa
Gochujang Chicken
Here’s a Korean specialty that uses gochujang, a red chili paste, with chicken thighs. The result offers a harmonious balance between heat and sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Chicken Korma
Dive into Indian flavors effortlessly with the Instant Pot. This chicken thigh recipe uses yogurt, nuts, and spices, creating a creamy and aromatic dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Korma
Chicken Adobo
Filipino flavors come to life quickly with the Instant Pot. This chicken thigh dish balances soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, offering a taste of the archipelago in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Adobo
Orange Chicken
Bringing together zesty oranges with crispy chicken thighs in an air fryer is a modern twist. This recipe offers a fresh perspective on a beloved Chinese-American classic.
Get the Recipe:Orange Chicken
Chicken Pakora
Venturing into Indian snacks, chicken thighs are enveloped in a gram flour batter. This results in a crispy exterior, making it a perfect savory bite for many.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Chicken Karaage
Experience Japan’s favorite bar snack by using chicken thighs. This recipe ensures a tender interior with a light, crispy exterior, showcasing the finesse of Japanese frying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage
Korean Fried Chicken
Dive into the world of Korean flavors using your air fryer. This chicken thigh recipe offers a crispy yet less oily alternative, showcasing the art of Korean fried chicken techniques.
Get the Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
A simple, yet flavorful dish, this chicken thigh recipe focuses on enhancing the meat’s natural flavors. Using an air fryer ensures minimal oil and maximum crispiness.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken
Pollo Pibil
This traditional dish from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula uses chicken thighs with a citrusy achiote marinade. It’s a culinary journey that many have yet to embark on.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
A healthier take on the fiery Sichuan classic, the air fryer offers crispy chicken thighs without the excess oil. It’s a delightful blend of tradition and modernity.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Introduce your palate to a dance of sweet and savory glaze on crispy chicken thighs. The sesame seeds provide a nutty layer, adding depth to the air-fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Mochiko Chicken
Hawaiian culinary traditions shine in this recipe. Chicken thighs are marinated in mochiko flour, soy sauce, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and crispy bite.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
A twist on the classic soup, using chicken thighs as the protein source brings depth to the broth. This Chinese-inspired dish offers a tantalizing blend of spicy and tangy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Chicken Biryani
A fragrant rice and chicken dish, the use of chicken thighs ensures juiciness in every bite. It’s a journey into Indian culinary traditions, made efficient with modern cooking tools.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
Thai Chicken Curry
Immerse yourself in the aromatic world of Thai cuisine. Chicken thighs blend seamlessly with coconut milk, lemongrass, and herbs, making it a must-try for those unacquainted.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry
Chicken Shawarma
Experience Middle Eastern flavors in a jiffy with the Instant Pot. This chicken thigh recipe captures the essence of traditional Shawarma, offering a quick dive into a rich culinary tradition.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma