I Keep 19 Chicken Thighs Recipes Saved for Lazy Weekends

Long naps, binge-watching, and 19 chicken thigh recipes make a weekend plan that works every time. With so many easy options, cooking feels less like a chore and more like a quick pause before getting back to whatever you’d rather be doing. Each one is designed to keep things simple while still making dinner worth looking forward to.

A bowl of creamy chicken tikka masala garnished with fresh herbs, served alongside a dish of rice.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Weekends get easier when you switch up meals with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry for dinner. The chicken pieces soak up flavor and pair well with rice or noodles. It’s a fast way to add a bit of variety. Kids enjoy the simple sauce. Even leftovers feel fresh the next day.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Baked Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken thighs with sliced potatoes garnished with herbs.
Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you want comfort food, pull out Baked Chicken Thighs for a no-fuss meal. Each piece comes out tender with a crisp finish. You can serve it as a main or slice for salads and wraps. This dish never feels heavy. It’s handy for both big tables and solo nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add noodles to the plan with Chicken Chow Mein for something easy. Meals like this fit right into busy weekends because they’re quick to plate. You end up with a one-bowl wonder everyone likes. The chicken mixes well with crunchy toppings. Even picky eaters come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, creamy sauce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and red onion slices.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Change up your lunch by making a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to enjoy. Each bowl pairs grains and chicken for a filling, balanced meal. It’s got layers that everyone can scoop together or mix. This one is perfect for laid-back weekends. Bowls empty out quicker than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled meat ribs garnished with chopped herbs and garlic, served on a white platter with fresh parsley in the background.
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Keep grilling simple with Grilled Chicken Thighs for any meal. These cook up fast and stay juicy while you relax. Chicken thighs work great for group gatherings or a solo bite. Add your choice of dips for more options. This is a reliable go-to everyone likes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Chilli Chicken

A plate of Chilli Chicken with chunks of red peppers, drizzled in a dark sauce, garnished with green onions.
Chilli Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Make things lively with Chilli Chicken as your weekend feast. The kick of flavor adds fun to dinnertime. Serve with rice or bread, and watch plates clear fast. This dish stands out among other chicken recipes. Friends often want a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Chilli Chicken

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring out an extra bowl for sharing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with anyone dropping by. The mix of pasta and chicken fits all kinds of appetites. Cold or room temperature, it’s always easy to serve. Great for quick eats or meal prepping. Most people ask for seconds after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Korma

A bowl of Chicken Korma garnished with herbs and sliced almonds, served with a spoon on the side.
Chicken Korma. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

When you’re after something creamy but simple, pick Chicken Korma for dinner. This dish works well with rice or flatbreads for dipping. It’s easy to scoop and serve in bowls. The flavors stay mild, so kids dig in, too. It’s one of those recipes people keep in their rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Korma

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try out a favorite fast-food hack with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe at home. This comes together quickly so you can enjoy a takeout twist without leaving your kitchen. Slices make great lunchboxes or snacks. Everyone picks their own extra sides. The leftovers never last long.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Chicken 65

A dish of Chicken 65 seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with chopped cilantro and green chili peppers in a white bowl.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Give dinner a kick by serving up Chicken 65 for everyone at the table. Crunchy and spicy, this meal finds fans in every crowd. It pairs up well with simple grains or flatbreads. You can adjust the heat without much trouble. Kids and adults both dig in freely.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get bold flavors without extra work from Chipotle Grilled Chicken next to your usual sides. Grill marks add texture while the smoky kick draws people in. These pieces work for sandwiches or main plates. Quick to prep and easy to finish, it suits weekends. You’ll see plates cleared every time.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables.
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lazy days call for quick wins like Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe at dinner. Toss everything onto one tray for an easy fix. The flavors combine, keeping everyone happy without fuss. Slice leftovers for wraps or salads the next day. Meal time feels stress-free with this option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Chicken Masala

A plate of Chicken Masala with two pieces of naan and basmati rice garnished with herbs, served with sliced onions on the side.
Chicken Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Comfort is just a bowl away when making Chicken Masala for your lazy weekend. It’s creamy, fragrant, and easy to pair with grains. Bring out some bread for scooping and sharing. This dish often becomes the highlight. Guests end up asking how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Masala

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ovens make it simple with Chicken and Rice Casserole that feeds many. Each serving gives classic comfort with only two steps needed. It’s easy to store and warm up again. Great for busy weekends and sharing. People like how leftovers taste as good as the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Make weekends easy with creamy bowls of Butter Chicken set out for everyone. It fits all sorts of sides without extra planning. Each bite mixes rich sauce with tender chicken. Always a crowd-pleaser no matter who you’re serving. You’ll see requests for the recipe fast.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken

Grilled chicken with herbs on white rice, garnished with shredded carrots and cabbage.
Lemongrass Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A little bit of citrus keeps Lemongrass Chicken on the menu for lazy days. Light flavors work for lunch or dinner without weighing you down. These pieces cook up quick and pair with grains easily. Extras can be tossed into salads. This keeps meal planning simple.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Chicken Tikka

Chicken tikka in skewers.
Chicken Tikka. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Don’t miss out by skipping Chicken Tikka for lunch or dinner. The pieces are easy to grill and offer bold flavor. Plates clear fast, especially when doubled for leftovers. Pair with flatbreads or rice to round it out. It always seems to find a spot on weekend tables.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice.
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn snack time into something special with Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers at your next meal. Skewers allow for fast serving and easy sharing. The sweet and spicy flavors catch everyone’s attention. Great for outdoor eating or family meals. You’ll notice the platter empties in record time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Chicken Tikka Masala

A bowl of creamy chicken tikka masala garnished with fresh herbs, served alongside a dish of rice.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bowls fill fast when Chicken Tikka Masala makes an appearance at dinner. It’s creamy and bold, offering just enough spice for everyone. Pair it with rice, bread, or veggies easily. Leftovers are as good as the original meal. This recipe never gets old for fans of chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *