40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (2024)

The benefit of using chicken thighs is they’ll stay deliciously juicy while complementing many different flavour combinations. Here you’ll find chicken thigh fillet recipes for pies, skewers and pasta bakes, plus noodles, stir-fries, curries and tacos. The options really are endless with this versatile meat.

Looking for chicken breast dinners or more chicken dinners?

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (1)

Yellow chicken curry cottage pie

Yellow curry chicken cottage pie

This cottage pie with a twist serves 4 to 6.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (2)

Lemongrass chicken bowl

Fragrant, flavoursome and so delicious! You can’t go wrong with this quick and easy Vietnamese lemongrass and chicken bowl for dinner tonight!

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (3)

Garam masala chicken with potatoes

Garam masala chicken with potatoes

Spice things up.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (4)

Chicken in turmeric and yoghurt

Chicken in turmeric and yoghurt

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (5)

Chicken thigh parmigiana

Chicken thigh parmigiana

Our twist on the traditional Italian dish uses chicken thighs baked in tomato based sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping to save time on crumbing.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (6)

Barbecued chermoula chicken with pea puree

Barbecued chermoula chicken with pea puree

A bright and fresh low-carb chicken dinner that’s perfect for spring meals.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (7)

Thai basil chicken and snake bean stir-fry

Thai basil chicken and snake bean stir-fry

This quick & easy stir fry is a simple weeknight meal. You’ll love fragrant Thai basil, tender chicken and snake beans with cashews for added texture.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (8)

Chicken satay skewers

Chicken satay skewers

These simple and easy chicken satay skewers is full of the classic peanut flavour – ideal when you need a delicious platter of food quick smart.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (9)

Grilled chicken and corn wrap

Grilled chicken and corn wrap

Give dinner a smoky twist with this grilled chicken and corn wrap topped with dollops of fresh lime and yoghurt dressing.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (10)

Portuguese-style chicken thighs

Portuguese-style chicken thighs

We grilled chicken thighs in a Portuguese-inspired spice mix of chilli, paprika, garlic and oregano for a flavour hit you can’t beat!

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (11)

Chicken, pumpkin and apricot tagine

An aromatic chicken, pumpkin and apricot tagine will put warmth into any winter night.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (12)

Coq au vin

Coq au vin

Richly flavoured with bacon, mushroom, garlic, and wine – this authentic French stew is a classic winter warmer.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (13)

Sweet and sour chicken

Delight the family with this sweet and sour chicken packed with vegetables and pineapple chunks for a hearty slow-cooked dinner.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (14)

Paprika chicken

Tender pieces of chicken in a fragrant creamy sauce, this slow- cooker paprika chicken served with creamy mash is the embodiment of comfort food.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (15)

Thai green chicken curry

Thai green chicken curry

Served on a bed of steamed jasmine rice, this zesty Thai curry will impress the whole family. We’ve even included the steps to nail a green curry paste from scratch for the ultimate homemade meal.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (16)

Coriander and chilli grilled chicken

Coriander and chilli grilled chicken

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (17)

Chilli chicken stir-fry

Quick, easy and absolutely delicious, this stir-fry chicken recipe is sure to become your go-to weeknight meal. We like ours with plenty of red chillies, but you can customise it to your taste.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (18)

Lemongrass chicken with chilli dipping sauce

Lemongrass chicken with chilli dipping sauce

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (19)

Hot and spicy chicken curry

There is something deeply satisfying about making you own curry from scratch. The spice blend we’ve used for this hot and spicy chicken curry results in a depth of flavour and piquancy that you just don’t get from a jar.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (20)

Karaage chicken with Sriracha mayonnaise

This crispy chicken karaage recipe makes a perfect snack or a moreish finger food.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (21)

Fancy Italian chicken casserole

Fancy Italian chicken casserole

Mini chicken and leek pies

Mini chicken and leek pies

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (23)

Chicken and spinach noodles

A quick, healthy and simple Asian-style stir-fry of chicken and spinach noodles.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (24)

Chicken, chorizo and okra gumbo

A quick and delicious chicken, chorizo and okra gumbo, a dish that originated in southern Louisiana.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (25)

Mustard chicken casserole

Mustard chicken casserole

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (26)

Curried chicken pie

Curried chicken pie

Give classic butter chicken a rise, by incorporating sweet potato and encasing it with layers of flaky filo pastry.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (27)

Chicken and sage tray bake

Chicken and sage tray bake

This simple one-pan chicken bake borrows flavours from the Italian classic veal saltimbocca.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (28)

Quick chicken satay

Quick chicken satay

Satay originated in Indonesia, and today features prominently in Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and African cuisines. This satay recipe is quick and deceptively simple, requiring few ingredients and minimal preparation and cooking time.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (29)

Chicken, lentil and pumpkin curry

This slow-cooked chicken, lentil and pumpkin curry is divine served with a dollop of yoghurt and warm chapatis.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (30)

Chicken bastilla

Chicken bastilla

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (31)

Chicken, celeriac and broad bean casserole

Chicken, celeriac and broad bean casserole

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (32)

Creamy lemon thyme chicken

Creamy lemon thyme chicken

Lemon thyme has a delicate perfume that infuses the chicken as it slowly cooks down, creating a tender, aromatic dish.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (33)

Butter chicken

This easy butter chicken dish is sure to become a family favourite in no time.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (34)

Slow-cooker honey mustard chicken

This sweet, succulent and oh-so-tender slow-cooker honey mustard chicken will have you coming back for more! Full of tasty nutritious ingredients, this will easily become a family favourite!

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (35)

Julie Goodwin’s chicken korma

Warm, hearty and wonderfully fragrant, this beautiful chicken korma recipe by Julie Goodwin is slow cooked for three hours to create intense Indian flavours and tender, moist meat that melts in your mouth.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (36)

Pressure-cooker chicken with capsicum

Tender, succulent pressure-cooker chicken with sweet capsicum – the perfect dinner idea for when you are pressed for time! Quick and easy, yet packed with wholesome ingredients and tonnes of flavour.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (37)

Chicken and pesto pasta bake

Chicken and pesto pasta bake

This hearty pasta bake is a perfect weeknight dinner for a hungry family. Packed full of tender chicken, fragrant homemade basil pesto and oozy melted cheese – it’s everything you want in a dish.

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (38)

Slow cooker chicken tikka masala

Using a slow cooker in this chicken tikka masala recipe is the perfect way to develop the flavour of delicious spices, and creates the most tender chicken. Just wait for the aroma of this tasty feast!

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (39)

Chicken skewers with green olive dressing

Chicken skewers with green olive dressing

Everything tastes better on a stick!

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (40)

Chicken thigh fillets with salsa verde

Chicken thigh fillets with salsa verde

This delicious chicken dish is easy to make and packed full of flavour. Your family will love the addition of a zesty homemade salsa verde to their dinner.

Women's Weekly Food

Want 20% off at THE ICONIC? Sign up to the latest news at Women’s Weekly Food.

Disclaimer: By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

40 ideas to use those chicken thighs in the fridge (2024)

FAQs

What are chicken thighs good for? ›

A chicken thigh is a super-tender and flavorful protein source that is a fantastic addition to dishes like casseroles, gumbos and pasta dishes.

Discover More Details ›

How to make chicken thighs taste better? ›

12 Ways To Add More Flavor To Chicken Thighs

Buy thighs with the skin on. ...
Salt or brine thighs before cooking. ...
Use a splash of spirits in your marinade. ...
Use leftover pickle juice for an easy marinade. ...
Give the thighs a poke before marinating. ...
Cook them low and slow. ...
Use dairy as a marinade. ...
Don't shy away from sweetness.

More items...

Jan 29, 2023

Get More Info Here ›

Can I leave raw chicken in fridge for 3 days? ›

You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.

View Details ›

How many chicken thighs do I need for 40 people? ›

Pre-packaged chicken thighs can vary in size, so instead of going by number of pieces, portion the meat based on weight. As a rule of thumb, for a main course, plan on about 1/2 pound of boneless chicken thighs per person, or 3/4 to one pound of bone-in chicken thighs per person.

Explore More ›

How long are chicken thighs good for? ›

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in your fridge approximately 1–2 days. The same applies to raw turkey and other poultry (1). Meanwhile, cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator approximately 3–4 days (1).

Discover More Details ›

Do chicken thighs get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because of their makeup. Dark meat has an abundant amount of connective tissue, which dissolves into gelatin as the meat cooks, rendering it juicy and tender.

Keep Reading ›

What tenderizes chicken thighs? ›

Restaurants use marinades made from a combination of acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt) and flavorful herbs and spices. The acid in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender.

How to infuse flavor into chicken thighs? ›

To make tender and flavorful grilled chicken thighs, follow these steps: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes overnight in a mixture of your choice, such as a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices.

Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›

It depends on the cut. A whole chicken or turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to one year. Chicken or turkey in pieces can be kept in the freezer for up to nine months. Ground chicken or turkey is best consumed within three to four months if frozen from the date of purchase.

Know More ›

How long do chicken thighs last in fridge? ›

Storing Chicken in the Fridge

No need to stash it in the freezer — it's OK to store raw chicken (whole or in pieces) for 1–2 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers that include cooked chicken, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Read On ›

How can you tell if chicken has gone bad? ›

Check if chicken is bad by smelling it – fresh chicken should have no strong odor. Look for pink color; if it's gray or dull, it may be spoiled. Feel the texture; slimy or sticky chicken is a sign of spoilage. Look for unusual discoloration, mold, or damaged packaging.

Get More Info Here ›

How many chicken thighs do I need for 4 people? ›

The average package of four chicken thighs will weigh approximately 1 1/2 pounds. One chicken thigh will yield about 3 ounces of meat (without skin or bone), so for big meat eaters, count on two thighs per person. For kids and lighter eaters, one chicken thigh per person should be enough.

Discover More ›

How many chicken thighs per person for dinner? ›

The size can vary dramatically, so for menu planning purposes, plan about 1/2 lb of chicken per person. Depending on the size and menu, a serving would typically be one or two chicken thighs per person.

Learn More ›

Are chicken thighs healthy? ›

Ultimately, chicken thighs can be a healthy addition to your diet as long as they're prepared in a good-for-you way. If you are trying to limit your fat intake, prepare chicken thighs in ways that don't use much added oil, like grilling, baking or stir-frying. Also be mindful of the sodium that you add during cooking.

Read The Full Story ›

Is chicken thigh healthier than breast? ›

Chicken breast and Chicken thighs differ in the nutritional value. If you compare the nutrition in both parts of the chicken, chicken breasts are a healthier option. They are low in calories, high in protein, low in fats and saturated fats but high in good cholesterol.

Are chicken thighs as healthy as breast? ›

The options. Chicken breasts do have a higher content of some B vitamins and minerals whereas chicken thighs have higher amounts of vitamin B12, she adds. Chicken thighs are typically less expensive by the pound. However, chicken breasts can be a challenge to cook because they can easily dry out and be overdone.

Read The Full Story ›

Why is chicken thigh better than breast? ›

Way More Flavorful

Any good cook knows that fat is flavor, and that is yet another reason why thighs are superior to breasts. Chicken thighs are a fattier cut of meat, which means they're going to have more intense, rich flavor than their white meat counterparts.

Read The Full Story ›

Are chicken thighs better for weight loss? ›

Skinless chicken breast is much lower in fats and calories than thighs. Breasts have about 30 calories per ounce. Thighs have about 50. For the same amount of calories, you can have a larger serving and also more protein, from breasts.

Find Out More ›