Sweet Silly Sara: food

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Tasty Chicken Thigh Recipes for Dinner

The Humble Chicken Thigh: Weeknight Dinner MVP

The chicken breast gets all the glory, but sometimes you crave something a little more flavorful, a little more forgiving. Enter the chicken thigh, the dark horse (or should we say dark meat?) of the poultry world. Chicken thighs are where it's at for busy weeknight dinners. They're affordable, easy to cook, and bursting with juicy flavor.

Why Chicken Thighs Rule

Flavor Champs: Dark meat naturally has more flavor than white meat, and chicken thighs are no exception. They stand up to bold seasonings and sauces beautifully.
Hard to Dry Out: Unlike chicken breasts that can turn into dry cardboard if you look at them wrong, chicken thighs are more difficult to overcook. They stay moist and tender thanks to their higher fat content.
Versatile: Chicken thighs can be baked, grilled, pan-seared, or slow cooked. They take on whatever flavors you throw at them, making them perfect for everything from a light lemon piccata to a hearty Moroccan tagine.

Chicken Thigh Dinner Inspiration

Here are a few ideas to get your chicken thigh dinner party started:

Sheet Pan Simplicity: Toss chicken thighs with veggies like broccoli, peppers, and onions, drizzle with olive oil and herbs, and throw it all on a sheet pan for a fuss-free dinner.
Global Thighs: Take your tastebuds on a trip! Try a jerk chicken marinade for a Caribbean twist, a harissa yogurt sauce for a Moroccan flair, or a classic Japanese teriyaki glaze.
One-Pot Wonder: For a cozy and hands-off meal, try a one-pot chicken thigh dish. Braise them with white beans, kale, and sausage in a rustic Italian style, or simmer them in a fragrant Thai curry with vegetables.

Here are some of my favorite recipes to try. Click thru the links to find great chicken thigh dinner inspo.

Lemon Chicken Tray Bake by Gluten Free Tranquility

Marry Me Chicken by Low Carb Spark

Baked Italian Chicken by Marcellina in Cucina

Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs by The Forked Spoon

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs by 24 Bite

Apple Cheddar Stuffed Thighs by Burrata and Bubbles

Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole by Grandbaby Cakes

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs by Brittney Breaks Bread

Greek Yogurt Chicken by Bites with Brie

Spanish Chicken and Rice by Grand Baby Cakes

Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice by The Good Hearted Woman

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs by Healthy Life Trainer

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs by Sunny Little Kitchen

Oven Baked Thighs with Onion Gravy by Cook What You Love

Instant pot Butter Chicken by Pressure Cooker Recipes

Chicken Thigh Tips

Pat it Dry: For crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Season Well: Don't be shy with the spices! Chicken thighs love bold flavors.
Cook to Temperature: The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

So next time you're planning your dinner menu, consider giving the chicken thigh a chance. It's a delicious and versatile weeknight hero that will leave you satisfied and wanting more.

Find more favorite chicken recipes here:

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Nashville Hot Chicken Fried Potatoes

Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles

Game Day Goodies

Touchdown Treats: Serving Up the Perfect Super Bowl Snack Spread

The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it's a full-on party with friends and family. And what's a party without amazing food? This year, ditch the greasy delivery and impress your guests with a spread of delicious and creative Super Bowl snacks.

Plan Your Lineup

Think variety! Offer a mix of classic favorites alongside some unexpected treats. Here's a crowd-pleasing combo:

Dips and Spreads: Queso, hummus, guacamole, and a creamy spinach and artichoke dip are all sure bets. For a twist, try a spicy kimchi salsa or a vibrant beet hummus.
Finger Foods: Chicken wings are a must-have, but consider offering healthier options like baked veggie spring rolls or crudités with a yogurt-based dip. Pigs in a blanket are a fun, nostalgic choice, and mini pizzas are always a crowd-pleaser.
Hearty Options: For those who need a little more to fuel their cheering, include some small bites with staying power. Miniature pot pies, sliders, or even a build-your-own taco bar are all great options.
Sweet Treats: Don't forget dessert! Brownies, cookies, and fruit skewers are easy crowd-pleasers. Offer a sweet and salty option like peanut butter cup pretzel bites for something a little different.

Presentation is Key

Make your spread visually appealing! Use a variety of serving platters and bowls. Arrange chips in a fun way, and get creative with how you display your dips. For a playful touch, shape a cheese ball into a football or decorate cupcakes with team colors.

Keep it Game Day Fun

Label your dishes: Let guests know what they're reaching for, especially if you have some unique options.
DIY stations: Set up a DIY taco bar or a nacho station with different toppings.
Make it interactive: Have a contest for the best wing sauce recipe or the most creative snack display.

The most important ingredient? Fun! With a delicious spread and a good game on, you're guaranteed a Super Bowl party that will be a win for everyone. Fried Mac n Cheese Bites by Mama Loves to Cook

These bites are full of mac n cheese flavor and they are fried to perfection for a great game day snack to share.

French Onion Bruschetta by Life’s Currents

Give bruschetta lots of french onion flavor with this tasty recipe that will fill up hungry fans!

Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings by Kid Tested Recipes

These baked buffalo wings are so crispy! You are sure to love these with the big game.

Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos by The Primitive Dish

These bbq chicken nachos are so delish that no one will be able to resist them at your next football party.

Air Fryer Corn Dogs by Aubrey’s Kitchen

Let the air fryer do the work with this easy corn dog recipe. These are a classic snack for the big game.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Taquitos by Emily Fabulous

Jalapeno popper flavor meets taquitos with this easy air fryer recipe.

Crab and Spinach Dip by The Gourmet Bon Vivant

Crab and spinach are perfect partners for this easy dip recipe. It is great with chips, bread or veggies.

Herb and Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers by Through the Fibro

These stuffed peppers are packed with herbs and cream cheese for a healthier appetizer to share.

Chili Cheese Fries by Belle of the Kitchen

Chili cheese fries are always a good idea for ravenous football fans!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders by Entirely Elizabeth

These sliders have all the flavors you need to keep you cheering through the 4th quarter.

Instant Pot Pizza Dip by Food n Service

This pizza dip comes together in a flash in the instant pot for a really great game day snack!

3 Cheese Beer Dip by Lana’s Cooking

This dip has 3 cheeses and beer for the ultimate cheesy offering for the big game.

Cheese-steak Egg Rolls by Our Wabi Sabi Life

These egg rolls are stuffed full of cheese steak flavors for a crispy and cheesy goodie to snack on.

Soft Pretzels by Joy Filled Eats

Soft pretzels are always a good idea and this recipe is so easy you can whip them up before kick off.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Smokies by Spend with Pennies

This recipe makes for the best smokies ever! These are just the thing to serve to your football game guests.

Find more favorite recipes:

School Bus Snack

Fool Proof Biscuits

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly day. But who has the time to slave over a hot stove? This crock pot version is here to save the day (and your energy)!

This recipe is not only easy but also endlessly customizable. In the mood for something a little heartier? Throw in some frozen vegetables along with the chicken. Craving a bit more herbaceous flavor? Add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the pot.

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

½ onion, diced 2-3 chicken breasts 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth 1 can instant biscuits 1 (16 oz) bag of frozen peas and carrots

Directions

Add onion, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to the crockpot.

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Using a fork, shred the chicken by moving your fork around in a circular motion. Add frozen peas and carrots and stir.

Chop biscuits up and layer across the top.

Cook on HIGH another 2 hours. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes If you over cook during the second half, the biscuits can begin to brown or burn against the side of the crock pot.

All crock pots/slower cookers do not heat the same. If at the 4 hour mark you need to add more liquid, do so, to avoid burning later.

Here are some tips for perfecting your crock pot chicken and dumplings:

Don't overcrowd the crock pot. This can lead to uneven cooking.
Shred the chicken before adding the dumplings. This will ensure the dumplings cook through without getting mushy.
Use a spoon to distribute the biscuits evenly in the pot. This will help them all cook through at the same time.

This recipe is a little different from my cracker barrel copycat chicken and dumplings. I wonder which you will prefer? I can't make a decision. I love them both!

Find more of my favorite chicken recipes here:

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Cracker Crumb Chicken Nuggets

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter.

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt.

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix.

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.