Are you tired of the same old boring chicken dishes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouth-watering and aromatic Asian-inspired chicken thigh recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From spicy and savory to sweet and sticky, these recipes showcase the incredible diversity and flavor of Asian cuisine.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean gochujang, Thai basil, or Japanese miso, we’ve got you covered with a range of dishes that incorporate a variety of ingredients and techniques from across Asia. So sit back, get ready to cook up some delicious meals, and let’s dive into the world of Asian chicken thighs!
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs glazed with a sticky honey soy sauce mixture, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish is easy to make and impressive to serve.
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 olive 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, garlic, and salt.
3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-soy glaze evenly over the chicken thighs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with pepper.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and spicy Korean-inspired dish featuring chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and savory gochujang sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and water.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before baking.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
This classic Thai dish is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines the bold flavors of chicken, basil, and chilies. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Thai red chilies, sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chilies and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Ginger Braised Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors, featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich garlic-ginger broth. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, and water.
3. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re covered with the braising liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers
Experience the bold flavors of Japan with these easy-to-make Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ, this recipe combines sweet and savory notes in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the bold flavors of lemongrass and chilies with the tender juiciness of chicken thighs, making for a delicious and aromatic Vietnamese-inspired dish. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Blend until smooth.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the lemongrass mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chinese Five-Spice Roasted Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of China with this simple recipe that combines the savory spices of five-spice powder with the rich flavor of roasted chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Japanese Miso Marinated Chicken Thighs
Succulent chicken thighs infused with the rich flavors of miso, soy sauce, and sesame oil – a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup white miso paste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
Add a burst of flavor to your dinner routine with these Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Thighs. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 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 honey, chili flakes, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-chili mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sesame Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This sweet and savory glaze combines the nutty goodness of sesame oil with the richness of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 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 sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tips: Serve with steamed vegetables or your favorite side dishes. Adjust cooking time based on chicken size and desired level of doneness.
Curry Coconut Chicken Thigh Stew
Warm up with this aromatic and flavorful stew that combines the richness of coconut milk with the spices of Indian-inspired curry. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Add coconut milk, broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Korean BBQ with the tender comfort of chicken thighs, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. With a sweet and spicy marinade and a crispy exterior from pan-frying, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili flakes, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and caramelized.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Thigh Curry
This aromatic curry combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, coconut milk, and Thai spices with succulent chicken thighs, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste; cook for an additional minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in peanut butter, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and let curry simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Black Bean Sauce Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the savory flavors of black bean sauce with crispy chicken thighs, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this Chinese-inspired dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup black bean sauce
– 2 tablespoons 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 black bean sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the black bean sauce mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Indonesian Satay Chicken Thigh Skewers
Elevate your grilled skewers with the bold flavors of Indonesia! This recipe combines succulent chicken thighs, sweet and spicy peanut sauce, and fragrant spices to create a mouthwatering satay experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 20 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Peanut sauce (see recipe or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine coconut milk, garlic, ginger, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Thread chicken thighs onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the chicken with the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with peanut sauce and your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Filipino Adobo Chicken Thighs
This classic Filipino dish is a staple in many households. A flavorful and aromatic sauce, made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves, is used to marinate chicken thighs before cooking.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and bay leaf.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Bake chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Malaysian Curry Laksa Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of Malaysia with this aromatic and spicy curry laksa dish, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich and creamy coconut-based curry sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add chicken; cook until browned on all sides.
4. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; let sauce thicken, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Sriracha Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this easy recipe that combines the richness of honey with the boldness of Sriracha sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, and garlic until well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the honey-Sriracha mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these 18 mouth-watering Asian-inspired chicken thigh recipes! From sweet and sticky honey soy glaze to spicy gochujang, from Thai basil stir-fry to Japanese miso marinated, this collection offers a flavor profile for every taste bud. Try making Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Skewers or Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Thighs for a taste of the Far East. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and spicy or sweet and savory, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
