Paleo Chicken Thigh Recipes – 36 Scrumptious Meals To Try Today
When you’re cooking for a crowd or just wish to keep your grocery bill at an acceptable level, chicken is always a good choice. Especially chicken thighs!
They tend to be inexpensive and easily available (wherever you are) and to be honest with you, I think they’re tastier than chicken breasts. I know some people take the skin off and only eat the meat, but for me, the crispy skin is the yummiest part.
Choose The Best Cooking Method For Your Needs
- Bake in the oven
Casseroles are a sure hit with the kids! Try the chicken mushroom casserole, or if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, go for cherry tomatoes. You’ll love the sheet pan recipes, as well. - Let the crockpot handle it
Fancy some salsa chicken? Maybe Asian chicken thighs? Or cauliflower chicken chili? I love using my slow cooker to make these recipes. - Quick and easy
Try the almond butter chicken saute; you only need 15 minutes for cooking, but remember to marinate the chicken for 1 hour, for best flavor. You’ll also find a 3-ingredient chicken thigh recipe on this list – it doesn’t get any easier than that!
If you’d like to have a closer look at how easy it is to make crispy and flavorful Paleo chicken thighs, there’s a great video for you here: Click Here to Watch the Video
Here are just a few of the Paleo Chicken Thigh Recipes we’ve included:
- Paleo Chicken and Cherry Tomato Casserole
- 3-Ingredient Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs
- Keto Chicken Mushroom Casserole
- Keto Lemon Chicken
- Asian Keto Crockpot Chicken Thighs
- Keto Almond Butter Chicken Saute
- Chicken Adobo
- Thai Basil Chicken
If you click or tap any of the links above, it will instantly take you to the recipe below. Or download the entire list by clicking on the green button below.
Baked Chicken Thighs
Paleo Chicken and Cherry Tomato Casserole
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: avocado oil, chicken thighs (with skin on), onion, garlic, fresh rosemary, white button mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, salt, freshly ground black pepper.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and in this great paleo recipe, they also add color and flavor to the dish. This is a simple idea, pairing chicken with tomato and mushrooms, and this would be a lovely dish to serve for a family meal. It is also low in carbs, but by using only fresh ingredients, the flavor is as natural as it could be.
3-Ingredient Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: chicken thighs (with the skin on), olive oil or avocado oil, salt.
Spring is here so all thoughts can turn to eating chicken thighs, barbecued meat and all things summery! As you know, most coatings for chicken involve some form of breadcrumbs, which are not Keto or AIP-friendly, so using this low-carb recipe could be the answer! It simply uses the skin on the thighs as a crispy coating that you can enjoy with a fresh, green salad for a delicious lunch.
Keto Chicken Mushroom Casserole
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: avocado oil, chicken thighs (with skin on), onion, garlic, fresh rosemary, white button mushrooms, kale, salt, freshly ground black pepper.
This casserole does not have the creamy sauce you might expect, but it is packed with flavor and can be described as keto comfort food! This is also a budget-friendly recipe as it uses chicken thighs which are very tasty but can be sourced much cheaper than breast meat. If you are not a fan of rosemary you could try using thyme or tarragon instead.
Keto Lemon Chicken
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: olive oil, chicken thighs or drumsticks (with the skin on), thyme leaves, lemon juice, salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic, lemon.
This recipe gives you chicken that is absolutely loaded with flavor! The lemon and thyme go so well together, and the chicken tastes just as good hot or cold, making this keto treat perfect for lunch or to take on a family picnic. It is gluten and nut free recipe so it is safe for kids’ lunchboxes for school too. If you want to serve this as a main, just pile it onto some cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Sheet Pan Spiced Roast Chicken, Cauliflower & Grapes
– Meatified
Photo Credit: Rach from Meatified
Ingredients: cauliflower, red or black grapes, avocado oil or olive oil, granulated garlic, dried cilantro leaves, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh mint leaves, lemon wedges.
This AIP-compliant recipe is for roast chicken that is a meal in itself and all cooked on one pan. You end up with tender chicken, cauliflower that has slight charring on the edges and little pops of juice from the grapes, giving this dish a great combination of flavor and texture. Because you are using chicken thighs, this is also a budget-friendly meal that can easily be increased to feed a larger family.
Keto Sheet Pan Curried Chicken
– I Breathe I’m Hungry
Photo Credit: Mellissa from I Breathe I’m Hungry
Ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, yellow curry powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chicken thighs, cauliflower florets, jalapeno pepper, unsweetened coconut milk, olive oil.
If you are a fan of low carb, one-pot dinners, here is another burst of flavor for you to enjoy! Tasty, curried chicken thighs with roasted and seasoned cauliflower to set it off give you a delicious dinner for any day. If you like a bit of heat from your curry you can use the jalapeno, but feel free to omit it if you are not keen on spicy food. You can also use chicken breast if you don’t like thigh meat.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Thighs
– Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: chicken legs cut into thighs and drumsticks, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper.
Here is a handy basic recipe that lets you make low carb crispy chicken seasoned with your favorite flavors. Placing the chicken pieces on a rack over a tray allows the excess juices to drain off, leaving the meat tender, but the outer skin crispy and delicious. If you like spicy food, you can add in cayenne, or just use a mixture of garlic and ginger powder for a simple taste – have fun experimenting!
Garlicky Lebanese Chicken Thighs
– Wicked Stuffed
Photo Credit: Amanda from Wicked Stuffed
Ingredients: garlic oil, ghee, chicken thighs, vidalia onion, baby carrots, roma tomatoes, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
With the intense garlic and lemon flavors, this dish has a real tone of the Middle East. Roasting the garlic gives it a sweeter, less harsh taste, and it goes so well with the chicken thighs. Thigh meat has a higher healthy fat content, making this perfect for paleo. Don’t worry about garlic breath – just make this for the whole family and no-one will notice!
Herbed Chicken and Mushrooms
– Peace, Love and Low Carb
Photo Credit: Kyndra from Peace Love and Low Carb
Ingredients: skin-on chicken thighs, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, olive oil, cremini mushrooms, garlic, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley.
This Keto-friendly, low carb recipe uses chicken thighs instead of breast meat and this makes the dish cheaper, tastier and so delicious. The crispy skin is so good, especially once it is rubbed with the herbs and seasonings and baked in the oven. If you find the mushroom sauce is a bit thin, simply boil it to reduce it a bit and this will also intensify the flavor.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Asian Keto Crockpot Chicken Thighs
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: chicken thighs (with skin on), onion, tamari sauce, water, garlic, salt, pepper, green onion, sesame seeds.
The chicken in this great recipe tastes so authentically Chinese but without the added sugars you normally find in Chinese cookery. Because you are cooking these thighs in the crockpot, they are so tender and falling off the bone, but they have a wonderfully crispy skin which holds all that flavor in. The chicken thighs have a lot more flavor than chicken breast and using the tamari sauce means this dish is gluten-free.
Instant Pot Paleo Basil Coconut Curry Chicken
– The Health Nut Mama
Photo Credit: The Health Nut Mama
Ingredients: organic chicken thighs, full-fat coconut milk, dried organic basil, curry powder, chili powder, sea salt, garlic, red onion, tapioca starch, water, extra virgin olive oil.
Coconut is an ingredient that is commonly used in Indian cooking and it is the base of many authentic curries, so even paleo people can enjoy the taste. The basil adds an aromatic note to the dish, and don’t worry if you are not a fan of spicy food as it is easy to tone it down by using medium curry powder. You can serve this over cauliflower rice, but I like to serve it on its own in a bowl.
Paleo Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
– AIP Sisterhood
Ingredients: chicken thighs, salsa or pico de gallo, salad greens, cheese (omit).
This recipe couldn’t be easier! With only four ingredients placed in a slow cooker, you can be free to carry on with other tasks while it cooks. You can use chicken breast if you are not a fan of dark meat, but there is more flavor in thighs. If you use bone-in thighs, remember to save the bones and store them in the freezer till you have enough for bone broth, which can help in AIP soups and stews.
Slow Cooker Garlic Chipotle Lime Chicken
– Beauty and the Foodie
Photo Credit: Stacey from Beauty and the Foodie
Ingredients: tomato sauce, olive oil or avocado oil, garlic, mild green chilies, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, fresh cilantro or flat-leaf Italian parsley, coconut sugar, ground chipotle powder, sea salt, black pepper.
This paleo chicken dish has a wonderful combination of fresh flavors and can be made as mild or as spicy as you like! You have fresh tastes of lime and the cider vinegar to complement the tender chicken and you can even use chicken thighs, fresh or frozen, to make this a more budget-friendly dish. For a satisfying main, serve this chicken with cauliflower rice, a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Spiralized Zucchini
– Cavegirl Cuisine
Photo Credit: Michelle from Cavegirl Cuisine
Ingredients: chicken thighs, maple syrup, Sriracha, orange juice, orange rind, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, cassava flour, ginger, garlic, chicken broth, zucchini, sesame oil.
Here is a really easy recipe to try if you need gluten-free ideas for lunch. Orange chicken is common in many Chinese restaurants, so now you can make your own paleo version. You end up with soft and tender chicken that has been infused with the flavors of the citrus and garlic, giving you a lovely dish to serve at your next Chinese-themed dinner or just to treat yourself after a busy day.
Crock Pot Cauliflower Chicken Chili
– Cook Eat Paleo
Photo Credit: Lisa from Cook Eat Paleo
Ingredients: cauliflower, onion, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, garlic cloves, organic tomato puree, chicken stock, chili powder, chipotle chile flakes, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, chicken thighs.
If you have been used to beef chili, now is your chance to jazz things up and try a deliciously spiced chicken chili! There are no legumes in this, as you are using cauliflower instead of beans, making it safe for paleo people, but it is also gluten-free and low in carbs. This is a perfect slow cooker dish to have ready for dinner after a busy day, especially when it’s chilly outside too!
Asian Chicken and Broccoli Soup
– Cavegirl Cuisine
Photo Credit: Michelle from Cavegirl Cuisine
Ingredients: chicken stock, chicken thighs, yellow onion, button mushrooms, garlic, broccoli, coconut aminos, red chili flakes, ground ginger, sea salt, black pepper.
Like many chicken soups, this one is warming and satisfying but very easy to eat! This is a slow cooker recipe that gets its Asian influence from the ginger, garlic and coconut aminos and this is a great keto, gluten-free dish. If you have had a busy day, it would be perfect to have for a delicious dinner. If you like your soup spicy you can always increase the amount of chili flakes you use.ti
Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala
– A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: raw cashews, boneless skinless chicken thighs, tomato puree, yellow onion, garlic, garam masala, sea salt, ground ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh cilantro.
If you have been put off trying Indian cookery because it looks complicated, try using this lovely recipe for tikka masala and you will never look back! This dish is a favorite all over the world and is gently warming, not so spicy it burns your mouth.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
– A Clean Bake
Ingredients: bell peppers, onions, boneless skinless chicken breast and/or thigh meat, chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, lime (optional), cilantro (optional).
Fajita chicken is totally possible for paleo people by following this great recipe – ideal for taco Tuesday, or any other day! This dish can be served over lime cauliflower rice, with a side of fresh salad or in lettuce wraps for a really delicious dinner. This recipe is nut and gluten-free, and because the chicken is slow cooked, the meat is so tender and juicy that this could become a family favorite!
Other Chicken Thigh Recipes
Keto Almond Butter Chicken Saute
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, almond butter, olive oil, lime juice, dried oregano, salt, pepper.
This must be one of the healthiest chicken recipes out there! It is super low in carbs, and is gluten, nut and dairy free, but can be adapted to any type of eating plan by using different seasonings. You can prepare a batch of this chicken and leave it marinating in the fridge to intensify the flavors. This dish can either be served with a simple plate of salad greens, or with some asparagus spears or broccoli.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
– A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: honey, dijon mustard, garlic, avocado oil, dried parsley, sea salt, ground black pepper, boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Honey and mustard are often linked in salad dressing, so it is only natural that they would go together to flavor chicken thighs. The sweet and savory combo lifts the flavor of the meat and makes these delicious. It is a good idea to double the amount of garlic to two cloves, as this gives a much more intense flavor. This is a gluten free and low carb recipe.
Keto Paleo Cashew Chicken Curry
– The Nourished Caveman
Photo Credit: Vivica from The Nourished Caveman
Ingredients: coconut oil, boneless chicken thighs, sea salt, coconut milk, green curry paste, raw cashews.
Cashews are one of those ingredients that just work in a curry and they add a richness to the sauce and are a great source of healthy fats. This keto and paleo recipe is reminiscent of Thai curries, with just the right amount of heat to make this a family-friendly dish. You can have this ready to eat in quite a short time and it tastes absolutely fantastic served on a bed of cauliflower rice.
Easy Keto Chicken Shawarma
– I Breathe I’m Hungry
Photo Credit: Mellissa from I Breathe I’m Hungry
Ingredients: boneless chicken thighs, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cardamom, ground turmeric, ground cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini paste, olive oil, water, lemon juice, garlic clove.
Shawarma dishes are made by thinly slicing meat that has been flavored using a variety of different spices and allowed to marinate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Traditionally, it is served on a flatbread or pitta, but it actually tastes just as good with cauliflower rice or low carb tortillas. Although there are a lot of ingredients, this can be simplified by just using what you have.
Chicken Adobo
– A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: garlic cloves, chicken thighs, water, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, whole peppercorns, black pepper.
With its roots in the cuisine of the Philippines, this tasty paleo dish has the flavors of Asian food thanks to the garlic and soy sauce and this is another easily prepared slow cooker meal. You can serve this over cauliflower rice and enjoy as a filling and hearty meal, or allow the drumsticks to cool and add them into a salad. You can even use boneless thigh meat and shred it for use as a filling for stuffed vegetables.
Citrus Herb Chicken Chorizo in the Instant Pot
– Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: avocado oil, bone-in chicken thighs, sea salt, yellow onion, fresh garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs leaves, chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted green olives, freshly squeezed orange juice, chicken bone broth, fresh cilantro.
With ingredients like the thyme, tomatoes, and olives, this dish is reminiscent of the flavors of the Mediterranean and can be made to enjoy any time of year. However, I find the spices in the chorizo make this a warming dish to serve in winter or when the weather is a bit bleak. If you don’t have an Instant pot, you can cook this in a large pan on the stovetop, just allow extra cooking time.
Chicken Coconut Curry with Coconut Cashew Cauliflower ‘Rice”
– Ditch the Carbs
Photo Credit: Libby from Ditch The Carbs
Ingredients: coconut oil, red onion, curry paste, chicken thighs, coconut cream, green beans, cauliflower, cashews.
This is a clever recipe for encouraging kids to eat ‘hidden’ vegetables, as they will never notice the pumpkin in the rich and creamy sauce! This is also a great way to feed a large family for less, but still keeping things low carb and healthy. With the flavors you associate with a good Indian korma, this curry could become a family favorite very quickly! If you are cooking this for friends, check beforehand for nut allergies.
Crispy Lebanese Chicken
– Grazed & Enthused
Photo Credit: Grazed & Enthused
Ingredients: chicken thigh, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, dried oregano flakes, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric powder.
This ketogenic recipe is for chicken with the traditional flavors of Lebanese cuisine – garlic, lemon and herbs like oregano. I think the flavors in this dish give it a taste of Spring, but it would be perfect for dinner at any time of year. This dish is great served over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables. Remember to save the bones from the chicken thighs as you can use them to make bone broth.
Cranberry-Glazed Chicken
– Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: coconut oil, shallot, sea salt, ground turmeric, apple cider vinegar, cranberry sauce, spearmint, chicken thighs or breasts.
At this time of year, we normally associate turkey with cranberries, but why not chicken? The cranberry sauce is compliant with the AIP and paleo ways of eating and gives the dish that fruity zing but without the added sugars. This dish is gluten and grain free, but totally delicious, and can be eaten warm with salad leaves or cauliflower rice. If you don’t like mint, then just leave it out!
Garlic & Herb Chicken Nuggets
– Grazed & Enthused
Photo Credit: Grazed & Enthused
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken thigh, dried oregano, dried basil, granulated garlic, sea salt (or garlic salt), coconut flour, coconut oil.
If you have ever looked at the ingredients in store-bought chicken nuggets, you were probably shocked and decided to ban them from the house like I did. Luckily, we have some wonderful recipes like this one for a healthier alternative that even the kiddies will love! These delicious low carb nuggets are flavored with garlic and herbs and make a great lunchtime dish or as finger foods for a party.
Thai Basil Chicken
– Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: coconut oil, garlic cloves, ginger, chicken thighs, apple cider vinegar, bacon fat, coconut aminos, fish sauce, honey, Thai basil.
Like a lot of Asian cuisines, Thai cookery concentrates on flavors and aromatics. This recipe has all the traditional flavors of fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, but with the fresh aroma of basil to round everything up. This dish is grain, nut, and gluten-free and suitable for paleo people, although non-paleo people would enjoy it too! Serve this in a bowl for a flavorful lunch or dinner.
Paleo White Chicken Chili
– Empowered Sustenance
Photo Credit: Empowered Sustenance
Ingredients: coconut oil, onion, celery sticks, garlic, jalapeño peppers, chicken thighs or breasts, ground cumin, chili powder, coriander, dried oregano, sea salt, ground black pepper, bone broth or chicken broth, diced green chili, full-fat coconut milk.
White chili may be something you have never tried before, but if you like Mexican food, you will love the combination of flavors here. You have a creamy soup with spiced chicken and a ton of flavor from the spices, and it is up to you how spicy you make it. However, if you serve it with the slices of avocado, this will offset the heat of the chili.
Chicken with Cider Vinegar Cream and Caramelised Apples
– Healing Family Eats
Photo Credit: Healing Family Eats
Ingredients: lard or coconut oil, chicken thighs, shallots, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bone broth (chicken), thyme sprigs, coconut cream, sea salt, apple.
This tasty recipe has its roots in French cuisine and is a lovely mix of textures and flavors, but the thing that makes it shine is the tang from the apple cider vinegar and the fact that you get a cream sauce without dairy! Sometimes recipes just don’t replicate the taste of the real thing, but this really works! It’s great to find recipes that give you authentic tastes but in a healthy option like this AIP one.
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
– Adventures in Partaking
Photo Credit: Adventures in Partaking
Ingredients: pineapple juice, coconut sugar, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, fish sauce, dried ginger, garlic granules, pink salt, coconut oil, fresh pineapple pieces, chicken – breast or thighs, water, spring onion.
Pineapple is such a good source of vitamins and minerals and can be tolerated on paleo diets for the most part. It also tastes amazing when you partner it with chicken! The caramelized pineapple has a toffee flavor which tastes so good in this dish that it could easily become a go-to. If you are not a fan of dark meat, you can use chicken breast instead of thigh meat.
Paleo Cashew Chicken
– Empowered Sustenance
Photo Credit: Empowered Sustenance
Ingredients: raw cashews, chicken breasts or thighs, sea salt, ground black pepper, coconut oil, bell pepper, green onions, chicken broth, coconut aminos, fish sauce, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, tapioca starch, sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger.
Stir fry dishes can be so helpful for busy paleo people during the week as they are quick and easy to prepare. In this dish, the cashews add a great source of protein and healthy fats, but also provide a lovely crunch to complement the meaty chicken. Because the vegetables are cooked quickly, they keep their color, making this a pretty dish to look at, as well as tasting really good.
Chili Lime Cream Grilled Chicken
– Beauty and the Foodie
Photo Credit: Stacey from Beauty and the Foodie
Ingredients: chicken thighs, sea salt, black pepper, fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coconut sugar, cilantro or flat leaf parsley, coconut cream for paleo, jalapeno peppers or mild green chili peppers.
Here is another dish that looks so good, it makes your mouth water just looking at it! Just imagine biting into the tender chicken thigh, smothered with the creamy lime sauce adding a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture. This recipe is low in carbs and dairy free, making the dish perfect for paleo and keto eating plans. You can also adapt the level of spice by using mild chilies if you prefer.
Chicken Florentine
– Adventures in Partaking
Photo Credit: Adventures in Partaking
Ingredients: cassava flour, sea salt, herbs d’province, olive oil, chicken (boneless – breasts or thighs), red onions, mushrooms, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, coconut milk, frozen spinach.
With herbs and seasonings associated with Europe, this Florentine dish is so tasty and makes a lovely change to plain chicken dishes. This recipe is compliant with paleo and AIP diets and is low in carbs too. Serve this with a green salad for a light lunch, or with some cauliflower mash for a more substantial dinner. If you want to feed more people, simply add in extra mushrooms!
Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
– Cook Eat Paleo
Photo Credit: Lisa from Cook Eat Paleo
Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs, chimichurri sauce.
Whether you are eating paleo for health reasons or for weight loss, or just because you are trying to be healthier, chimichurri sauce could be one of the best ways to introduce more flavor into bland foods. This fresh and zingy sauce can be a drizzle or a marinade and can be served over chicken, pork chops or steak, and even works well with oily fish like salmon.
