10 Turkey Thigh Recipes That Are Better Than the Whole Bird

Turkey thighs are one of the most underrated parts of the bird, and we think that’s a shame. The slightly higher fat content gives the meat a lot of flavor, while keeping it nice and moist during the cooking process. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make on busy weeknights or a creative use for Thanksgiving leftovers, you’ll find delicious new ideas in this collection of our best turkey thigh recipes.

Turkey Rice

Chef John

Use your Thanksgiving leftovers to make Chef John’s creamy comfort food creation. A 3-ingredient salsa—made with green onions, red pepper, and cilantro—is the perfect finishing touch.

Spicy Turkey Sweet Potato Gumbo

Groatt

Here’s a healthy, cozy, sweet potato-packed gumbo that’s perfect for chilly fall nights. Recipe creator Kevin Smeltzer suggests serving over hot wild rice.

Slow Cooker Turkey and Vegetables

Tracey Ferrari Posner

It couldn’t be easier to make this simple slow cooker dinner with cheap ingredients you may already have on hand.

Slow Cooker Turkey Stew

Reviewer Kitchen Wolverine, who says this stew “cooks up deliciously,” recommends marinating the turkey thighs overnight in the lemon pepper mixture.

Amazingly Succulent Roast Turkey Thighs

Rosemary Carollo

Seasoned turkey thighs are cooked with carrots, onions, and celery in a roasting bag until they’re perfectly succulent. “This recipe makes moist and tender turkey thighs the whole family will love,” says recipe creator MJdeCA.

Turkey Thighs in Brown Sauce

Minnesota Mama

“Turkey thighs are pan seared and then cooked in a sauce of canned soup and broth with onions, mushrooms, garlic, and a little sherry wine. Serve the turkey thighs in brown sauce with hot cooked rice,” according to recipe creator Elizabeth.

Sweet and Spicy Curry with Chickpeas

Allrecipes Magazine

Make this flavorful curry (made with chickpeas, turkey thighs, and tomatoes) on the table in just 45 minutes. Serve over rice for a filling meal.

Roasted Turkey Thighs

Searching for a low-key, yet totally delicious, Thanksgiving dinner for a small gathering? Look no further than these herb-seasoned turkey thighs roasted with potatoes and onions.

Skillet Turkey with Bacon and White Wine

“Bacon and white wine make this skillet turkey, by Lindsay Ostrom of Pinch Of Yum, a welcome twist on the standard holiday fare,” says recipe submitter Reynolds KitchensR.

Turkey and Rice Meatballs (Albondigas)