Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are an ultimate ADHD kitchen staple. They’re packed with flavour, more forgiving than breasts (so less chance of overcooking), and they stay juicy whether you're air frying, roasting, or pan-searing. Plus, they’re affordable and endlessly versatile—easy to pair with any Flavour Bomb, grain, or veg - and happy to be cooked from fresh or frozen in the air fryer, dopped into a saucy one pot, or slow fried in a pan. They've also got incredible texture with a soft juicy meat and crispy skin. If you’re going to keep one protein in your fridge or freezer, make it this.
Why is it good for ADHD?
Chicken thighs are a great source of complete, high-quality protein, which is vital for ADHD brains. Here’s why:
- Protein helps regulate dopamine – the neurotransmitter that affects focus, motivation, and reward.
- They contain B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), which support brain function, energy metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Thighs also provide iron and zinc, two minerals important for mood regulation, attention, and immune health.
- Compared to chicken breast, thighs contain a bit more healthy fat, which makes them more satiating—especially helpful for staying focused and avoiding crashes between meals.
Different Types & Cuts
Chicken thighs come in two main types:
- Bone-in, skin-on: The most flavourful option. These stay juicy and develop crispy skin—perfect for air frying, roasting, or one-pot meals where you want maximum taste with minimal effort. They are also great for freezing plus you can cook them straight from the freezer in your air fryer.
- Boneless & skinless: Quick and convenient. These cook fast and are easy to chop for stir-fries, traybakes, or modular meals. You can cook them whole, but they’re often cut into pieces. See the chicken pieces page for more info.
Buying Tips
Chicken thighs are one of the most affordable, flavour-packed proteins out there—often cheaper than breast or ready-cooked options. When buying fresh, look for a clean, even colour, dry texture, and no sliminess or dark spots on the skin. Packs with minimal liquid and a longer shelf life are your friend.
Boneless thighs save time when energy is low, while skin-on thighs deliver maximum texture and flavour. Buy in bulk when they’re on offer—then portion and freeze. It’s a smart, low-effort way to make sure you always have something tasty ready to cook.
Storage Tips
Fresh: Always check the use-by date when you buy, and set a calendar reminder for the day before so they don’t get forgotten. Store them in the coldest part of your fridge and keep the pack sealed until you’re ready to use.
Freezing: Chicken thighs freeze brilliantly. Divide them into portions of 1–2 thighs and pack in freezer bags or wrap tightly in clingfilm to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date so future-you knows what’s what. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. You can cook thighs from frozen in your air fryer. But if you are using a pan, you'll need to defrost them overnight before cooking.
Prep Tips
- Pat them dry with kitchen paper before cooking—this helps the skin crisp up beautifully and prevents excess splatter.
- Season well with salt (and pepper if you like) before cooking. It enhances flavour and helps draw out moisture for crispier results.
- If you’re using a marinade or Flavour Bomb, you can marinade it before hand for tastier results but don't sweat it if you don't —thighs are forgiving and tasty even with just salt and oil.
Top Flavour Bomb Combos
Chicken thighs can take anything you throw at them, from spicy hot harrisa, to cool and herby garlic yoghurt. Here's some of our favourite flavour bomb combinations.
- Simple Seasong - Crispy chicken thighs with a little bit of salt are absolutely delicious on their own
- Pesto Chicken Thighs (jarred pesto = instant dopamine)
- Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Chorizo Chicken Thighs
- Gochujang Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Harissa chicken thighs
Base Recipes
Chicken thighs stand up well to any form of cooking this section shows you base recipes for whole chicken thighs. If you're interested in diced cheicken thighs check out the chicken pieces page
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (From Fresh): Quick, crispy, and full of flavour. Perfect for weeknights when you want hands-off cooking and juicy results in just 15 minutes.
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (From Frozen): Forgot to defrost? No problem. Straight from the freezer to crispy, golden goodness in about 20 minutes. Ideal for those “oh no, what’s for dinner?” moments.
- Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs: Fast, flavourful, and flexible. Great for adding a golden crust and pairing with any grain, veg, or Flavour Bomb.
