Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice when you’re looking for easy, budget-friendly, and healthy meals. This Chicken Thigh Marinade makes your thighs juicy and full of flavor with a nice balance of sweetness and spice, and a hint of citrus. Chicken thighs are packed with lean protein and iron, plus they offer more calcium, potassium, and vitamins than chicken breasts.
While marinating isn’t required for health or safety, it really boosts the flavor. For the best taste, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
This marinade blends fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and spices, making it perfect for grilling, broiling, or baking. It’s quick to make and enhances the natural flavor of chicken thighs.
You can store marinated chicken thighs in the fridge for up to 4 days. For leftovers, reheat in a baking dish at 350°F or in the microwave. If you want to freeze, keep the thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Grilled Chicken Thigh Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley leaves chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Minced garlic
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs to the bowl and spoon the marinade over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook as desired.
Notes
- Marinate Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 4 hours.
- Cooking Methods: This marinade works great for grilling, baking, or broiling chicken thighs.
- Storage: Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Sodium | 893mg |
| Potassium | 25mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken Thighs?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour. However, you can marinate them for up to 24 hours if you have the time. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be.
Can I Use This Marinade for Other Types of Chicken?
Yes, this marinade works well with other chicken cuts like breasts or drumsticks. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type and thickness of the chicken you use.
What Cooking Methods Work Best for This Marinade?
You can use this marinade for grilling, broiling, or baking chicken thighs. Grill or broil the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or bake it at 375°F (190°C) for the same amount of time. The key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
