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

Secrets to Baking the Best Homemade Cookies

 

Beyond the Bag: Baking Secrets to Heavenly Homemade Cookies

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, homemade cookie. But achieving that perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich flavor can sometimes feel like a mystery. Fear not, fellow bakers! With a few simple tips and tricks, your homemade cookies will be the star of the show.

Master the Ingredients

• Temperature Matters: Most recipes call for room temperature butter and eggs. This ensures even creaming and prevents a greasy mess.
• Measure Precisely: A kitchen scale is your best friend for accurate flour measurement. Scooping flour directly from the bag compacts it, leading to dry, dense cookies.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Use pure vanilla extract, real butter, and fresh ingredients whenever possible. You'll taste the difference!

Mixing Magic

• Creaming is Key: For those melt-in-your-mouth cookies, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which leads to a rise and a delightful texture.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Once you've added the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Chill Out: Many cookie doughs benefit from a rest in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Baking Brilliance

• Sheet Pan Savvy: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Leave space between cookies to allow for spreading.
• Rotate for Uniformity: For even browning, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
• The Golden Rule: Don't overbake! Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center.

Bonus Tip: Feeling adventurous? Play with add-ins! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and even pretzels can take your cookies to the next level.

With these tips in your arsenal, you're well on your way to becoming a homemade cookie champion. So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite recipe, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

Find my favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores

Perfect Peppermint Treats for the Holidays

 

Get Your Chill On: Delicious Peppermint Desserts for Every Occasion

The cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint is a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth and awaken your senses. Whether you're looking for a festive holiday treat or a delightful after-dinner surprise, peppermint desserts never disappoint. From classic cookies and creamy cheesecakes to lighter-than-air meringues and decadent chocolate creations, there's a peppermint perfect for every craving. So, grab your favorite mixing bowls and candy canes, because we're about to embark on a delightful journey through the world of peppermint desserts!

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Photo Credit: Courtney’s Sweets.

Give your sugar cookie experience a flavorful upgrade. These are easy to make and have the most festive flavor of peppermint in every bite.

Get the recipe: Peppermint sugar cookie bars.

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

Photo Credit: Kate the Baker.

Give a pepperminty kiss to your next chocolate cake. This delicious and rich cake is perfect for a holiday gathering, or make it for an after dinner sweet treat to share with your family.

Get the recipe: Chocolate peppermint bundt cake.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

Photo Credit: What the Fork.

What could be better than a refreshing ice cream pie with plenty of peppermint and chocolate? This is awesome for a Christmas sweet, no matter what the weather is like where you live.

Get the recipe: Peppermint ice cream pie.

Candy Cane Cheesecake

Photo Credit: Homemade Heather.

This no bake cheesecake is creamy, rich and so indulgent. It has the perfect kiss of peppermint in every bite. You will love this blend of flavors and the seasonal appearance this easy dessert brings to the table.

Get the recipe: Candy cane cheesecake.

Christmas Macarons

Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

Who could resist  these macarons? They are festive, flavorful and so pretty! You will love these with a cup of cocoa, or coffee as you prepare for your family Christmas gathering.

Get the recipe: Christmas macarons.

Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats

Photo Credit: Three Olives Branch.

This peppermint bark rice krispie recipe is so good! Make these for a cookie exchange or to share with visitors who drop by to spread cheer.

Get the recipe: Peppermint rice krispie treats.

Peppermint Pudding Pie

Photo Credit: Cutefetti.

This peppermint pudding pie is so creamy and rich! You will love how easy it comes together for a fuss free dessert that happens to be dairy free and so indulgent.

Get the recipe: Peppermint pudding pie.

Peppermint Ice Cream

Photo Credit: Sift and Simmer.

Bring a kiss of peppermint to homemade ice cream for a gorgeous holiday treat. This recipe has the loveliest pink color and the creamiest flavor. After you try this, you might bring your ice cream maker out every year for a batch of ice cream to share with family.

Get the recipe: Peppermint ice cream.

Peppermint Meringues

Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

Make a batch of light and airy meringue cookies and give them a cool kiss of peppermint for the best cookie of the season. These are easier than you would imagine and have a bakery quality flavor.

Get the recipe: Peppermint meringues.

Peppermint Patty Tartlets

Photo Credit: The Cozy Plum.

These yummy little tartlets have the iconic flavor of peppermint and chocolate in every bite. These are the perfect portion for an after dinner treat. Your family will love the ganache topping.

Get the recipe: Peppermint patty tartlets.

Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Photo Credit: Courtney's Sweets.

These yummy and festive cookies practically melt in your mouth. Make them for a cookie exchange, to share with loved ones or to leave for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Get the recipe: Peppermint snowball cookies.

Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Photo Credit: Baked Collective.

These easy crinkle cookies have a refreshing minty flavor in every bite. They pair so well with cocoa or coffee, or a simple glass of milk. 

Get the recipe: Peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies.

No Bake Chocolate and Peppermint Cheesecake

Photo Credit: Cooked by Julie.

This no bake cheesecake is so easy, and so pretty. Make this for the holidays, and your family will love the combination of chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake and plenty of crushed peppermints mixed in.

Get the recipe: No bake peppermint cheesecake.

Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Photo Credit: Neighbor Food.

The combination of chocolate cookies with peppermint frosting is a classic one that everyone loves. Why not make them into a sandwich cookie? These are sure to be Santa’s favorites of the  big night!

Get the recipe: Peppermint whoopie pies.

Mint Chocolate Pots de Creme

Photo Credit: Intentionally Eats.

You only need 6 simple ingredients to make these creme pots. They are so decadent, delicious and best of all easy, for an indulgent holiday dessert.

Get the recipe: Mints chocolate pots de creme.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Instant Pot Banana Cream Rice Pudding