Indulge in delicious and healthy cooking with our collection of 20 flavorful Weight Watchers chicken thigh recipes. These mouth-watering dishes are not only tasty but also tailored to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and sticky or spicy and savory flavors, we’ve got you covered. From classic comfort food to international inspirations, these recipes will keep your taste buds excited and your diet on track.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 20 Weight Watchers chicken thigh recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping the calories in check. From slow cooker wonders to air fryer must-haves, each recipe is carefully crafted to provide a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Moist and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on 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. Preheat the slow cooker to Low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over them.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and garnish with parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Moist and flavorful, these baked chicken thighs are infused with the zesty goodness of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these leaner buffalo chicken thighs that pack all the flavor without the extra calories!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce and honey until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken thighs to the olive oil mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
6. Brush the buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and easy-to-make One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Thighs recipe. A blend of savory spices, tangy feta cheese, and juicy chicken come together in one pan for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables and spices.
6. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and delicious recipe that yields crispy, juicy thighs with minimal effort. This air fryer recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
5. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check the chicken for crispiness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Pineapple
This recipe combines the rich flavor of teriyaki sauce with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
6. Top with pineapple chunks and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Elevate your mealtime with this simple yet impressive recipe, featuring juicy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy Greek yogurt marinade. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 12 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs
Add a kick of flavor to your meal with these spicy Cajun chicken thighs. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the tender juiciness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush both sides with the spice mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serve Hot!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and delicious recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying crispy, cheesy, and savory chicken in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken thigh in the beaten egg and then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
A sweet and tangy twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The balsamic glaze adds a depth of flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 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, and mustard.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
A flavorful and easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs (e.g. thyme, rosemary) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
4. Add sliced bell peppers and zucchinis around the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle with minced garlic.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (if using).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the rich taste of smoky paprika with tender, juicy chicken thighs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the baking dish, making sure each thigh is partially submerged.
5. Roast the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Low-Carb Chicken Thigh Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the mixed bell peppers and cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and grated ginger.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skinny BBQ Chicken Thighs
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously leaner take on classic BBQ chicken! This recipe uses chicken thighs, which are naturally tender and juicy, paired with a reduced-sugar BBQ sauce for a flavorful and guilt-free meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup reduced-sugar BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and brush with reduced-sugar BBQ sauce.
6. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herbed Chicken Thighs with Quinoa
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of chicken thighs with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all wrapped up in a fragrant herb package.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa and water or broth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
4. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
5. Place the quinoa mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Arrange chicken thighs on top of quinoa.
7. Drizzle the herb mixture evenly over the chicken.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Zesty Lime Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this refreshing twist on a classic dish. Tangy lime and spices add a burst of flavor to these juicy chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy
Elevate your dinner game with this comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a flavorful mushroom gravy. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning.
4. Add garlic, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of Asia with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the savory taste of chicken thighs with the warmth of ginger and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stress-free weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles
Transform your weeknight dinner into a Mediterranean-inspired feast with this easy-to-make recipe. Pesto chicken thighs and zucchini noodles come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 medium-sized zucchini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brush them evenly with the pesto mixture.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchini into noodle-like strands. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the chicken thighs on top of the zucchini noodles, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 large onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken thighs over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the canned tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in delicious and healthy chicken thigh recipes that fit within your Weight Watchers plan! This collection of 20 mouthwatering dishes offers a variety of flavors and cooking methods to suit every taste. From slow-cooked honey garlic thighs to crispy air-fried options, and from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to spicy Cajun twists, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe is carefully crafted with nutritional information and WW points included, making it easy to enjoy your favorite foods while staying on track with your weight loss goals.
Leave a Reply