Are you tired of the same old boring chicken dishes? Look no further! Weeknights can be chaotic, but with these 20 mouth-watering chicken leg and thigh recipes, you’ll never have to settle for bland again. From classic comfort food to international flavors, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, these recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the bold flavors of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. You’ll discover new ways to marinate, bake, grill, and fry chicken legs and thighs to create mouth-watering meals that will please even the pickiest eaters. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our first 10 recipes…
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs
Succulent chicken legs and thighs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and thighs
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Place chicken legs and thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of honey and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these glazed chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic until well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-soy glaze all over them.
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Legs Recipe
Introducing a game-changing twist on traditional fried chicken legs – oven-fried to perfection, minus the extra calories! This recipe yields crispy exterior and juicy interior with minimal mess and effort.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken leg into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured legs into beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Harissa Roasted Chicken Thighs
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this bold and aromatic recipe that combines the warmth of harissa with the richness of roasted chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, these spicy thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp harissa paste
– 2 lemons, quartered (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread harissa paste on each thigh, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each thigh.
6. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
7. Garnish with lemon wedges (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Legs
Elevate your grilling game with this zesty and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill chicken legs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Moist chicken thighs smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes per side or until browned.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken thighs and mushrooms.
6. Return the skillet to the stovetop and simmer the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
BBQ Smoked Chicken Legs
Get ready to elevate your backyard gatherings with this mouth-watering recipe for BBQ smoked chicken legs. Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, these succulent legs are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup BBQ rub (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry work well)
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken legs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the chicken legs in the smoker, leaving space between each leg for even cooking.
5. Smoke the chicken legs for 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. In the last 30 minutes of smoking, baste the legs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water.
7. Remove from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this aromatic and creamy curry dish. Tender chicken thighs are smothered in a rich coconut milk-based sauce, infused with the warmth of curry powder and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add curry paste; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add chicken thighs; cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Pour in coconut milk and water; stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves; serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and flavorful recipe. Crunchy Parmesan crust and juicy meat make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken leg into the olive oil mixture, coating evenly, then roll in breadcrumb mixture to coat.
5. Place coated chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this easy recipe that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. The result is a flavorful and moist dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then brush the maple-Dijon mixture evenly over each thigh.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves (if using).
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this refreshing Greek yogurt marinade that tenderizes and flavors the legs to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken legs to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
This hearty one-pan dish is a perfect solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With the combination of juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until browned.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pan, stirring occasionally.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with thyme.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Legs
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this flavorful recipe! This classic Jamaican dish is a staple for any occasion, and with our simple steps, you’ll be enjoying succulent jerk chicken legs in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Bake chicken legs in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken dish with a tangy and sweet balsamic glaze, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Legs
Get ready to enjoy juicy and crispy chicken legs with minimal effort! This simple recipe uses an air fryer to cook chicken legs to perfection, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
5. Place the coated chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each leg.
6. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Increase temperature to 420°F (220°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 17-20 minutes
Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs
Get ready to level up your chicken game with this bold and spicy recipe, featuring the iconic Korean chili paste gochujang. This marinade-based dish is perfect for those who crave a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cloves
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and cloves.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Discard remaining marinade.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
6. Brush with rice vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Buttermilk Fried Chicken Legs
Elevate your fried chicken game with this herby twist on a classic recipe. Tender and juicy chicken legs get a boost from fresh herbs and tangy buttermilk, then crispy-fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, parsley, chives, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken legs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge marinated chicken legs in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Fry chicken legs in batches until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional teriyaki chicken, this recipe combines the flavors of pineapple and soy sauce for a deliciously unique dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cajun Blackened Chicken Legs
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this simple and delicious recipe for Cajun Blackened Chicken Legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs, bone-in
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rinse chicken legs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Sprinkle both sides of each leg with the Cajun spice mixture.
5. Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken legs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight meals with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme (if using).
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner with these 20 juicy chicken leg and thigh recipes. From classic comfort foods to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs for a rich and savory dish, or Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs for a sweet and sticky treat. Spice things up with Spicy Harissa Roasted Chicken Thighs or go Mediterranean with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Legs. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never get bored with your weeknight meals again.
