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17 Chicken Thigh Recipes For A Budget-Friendly Dinner

Chicken thighs are a go-to for anyone looking to cook filling, flavorful meals without spending a lot. Known for their juiciness and richer flavor compared to other cuts, chicken thighs are also typically less expensive, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious food enthusiasts. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these recipes will show you how to get the most out of this versatile ingredient.

This collection of 17 recipes explores a variety of flavors and cooking methods, from Mexican-inspired favorites to incredible stir fry. Each recipe is designed to make your dinner both satisfying and affordable. With these dishes, you’ll see just how easy it is to transform simple chicken thighs into a range of dinners that will appeal to everyone at the table, proving that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring.

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky take on the classic enchilada, this recipe features chicken and a green sauce, infused with smoky flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for those who enjoy traditional Mexican dishes with a unique twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas

Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fiery and flavorful dish, these grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy chili garlic sauce, ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their grilled poultry.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spicy Chili Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Another take on the Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken, this recipe is perfect for grilling enthusiasts seeking a sweet and savory chicken dish with a tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky version of the traditional Chile Verde, this recipe uses smoked chicken to enhance the dish’s depth and flavor. It’s a great choice for those who love a hearty, smoky, and spicy stew.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fusion of Vietnamese flavors and smoking technique, this recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs with a distinctive twist. Ideal for those looking to experiment with Asian-inspired barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe reinvents the classic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash by incorporating the smoky flavor of a Traeger grill, adding a new dimension to this traditional dish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A savory and sweet chicken teriyaki dish, cooked on a Blackstone griddle for a perfectly caramelized exterior, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Chicken Teriyaki

Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe offers a twist on classic butter chicken by incorporating the smoky flavor achieved through grilling. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a fusion of traditional Indian flavors and outdoor cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs

Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A sweet and spicy option, these chicken leg quarters are coated in a sweet chili sauce. They’re a great mix of flavors for those who enjoy a little heat with their sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe focuses on chicken thighs, smoking them to bring out a rich and savory taste. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer the darker, more flavorful meat of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These chicken thighs are seasoned with a spicy and flavorful jerk marinade, then cooked on a pellet grill for a smoky and spicy dish. They’re great for those who love bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe

Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Simple yet flavorful, these chicken leg quarters are a great choice for a straightforward and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for an easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Sticky Thai Chicken

Sticky Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These sticky Thai chicken thighs are the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, full of delicious Thai flavor and better than takeout!
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A quick and flavorful chicken thigh recipe cooked in an air fryer with ranch seasoning. It’s a great option for a fast and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs

Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs

Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A savory and slightly sweet chicken thigh dish, braised with honey and beer for added depth of flavor. It’s a great meal for those who enjoy a rich and comforting chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Beer Braised Chicken Thighs

Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A convenient one-pan meal with lemon-flavored chicken thighs and potatoes, topped with feta cheese. It’s perfect for an easy and flavorful family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A quick and easy chicken thigh recipe made in an Instant Pot, featuring a sweet and savory honey soy sauce. It’s a great choice for a fast and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Nicole Johnson
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Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.