Chicken Thigh Marinade

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Thigh Marinade is a flavor-packed blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet ingredients that tenderize and enhance the natural richness of chicken thighs. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, it creates juicy, mouthwatering chicken every time. Ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues, this marinade delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oilsoy saucelemon juicehoneygarlic (minced)paprikaonion powderdried oreganofreshly ground black pepperred pepper flakes (optional)boneless or bone-in chicken thighs

directions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–8 hours for best flavor.

Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.

Grill or cook the chicken thighs for 6–7 minutes per side (boneless) or 8–10 minutes per side (bone-in), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe marinates 6–8 chicken thighs.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 1–8 hours
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: up to 8 hours 30 minutes (with marinating)

Variations

Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus profile.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Mix in Dijon mustard for a tangy depth.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly richer sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Uncooked chicken in marinade can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other cuts of chicken?
Yes, it’s great for breasts, drumsticks, or even wings—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked.

Is this marinade spicy?
It’s mild, but you can omit red pepper flakes if preferred.

Can I reuse marinade?
No, discard used marinade to avoid contamination. If you want a sauce, reserve some before adding the chicken.

Should I marinate at room temperature?
No, always marinate in the refrigerator for food safety.

Can I cook the chicken straight from the marinade?
Yes, just let any excess drip off before cooking to prevent flare-ups or steaming.

Conclusion

Chicken Thigh Marinade is an easy, flavorful way to elevate your meals with minimal prep. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this versatile marinade guarantees juicy, delicious chicken every time. Give it a try and make your next chicken dinner unforgettable.

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