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+ servings
Sheila Browder

Chicken Thigh Marinade

Let’s start by thinking about what goes well with grilled or roasted chicken thighs. You can serve them alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes; both are excellent options.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, but adds a nice kick
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin for an earthy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tang
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce depth of flavor
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce umami richness
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for richness
  • 6 garlic cloves coarsely chopped (about 2 tablespoons, your flavor bomb)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky note
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt to enhance the flavors
  • Juice and zest of 2 small limes about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest, fresh!
  • 1 tablespoon wildflower honey for that lovely sweetness
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (your main star!)

Equipment

  • Baking Dish, Bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare your Marinade
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the lime juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, honey, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and olive oil. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed. The colors will be vibrant, and the smell will be heavenly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a large glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Now, here’s the key: let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but ideally, you should let it sit overnight. This step allows those flavors to really soak in.
Step 3: Prepare to Cook
  1. When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Preheat your grill or oven to mid-high heat. If you’re using a grill, spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
  1. Put the marinated chicken on the grill or in a baking dish. If using a grill, cook each thigh for about 6-8 minutes per side, until you achieve a nice char and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For the oven, put the chicken in at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until done.
Step 5: Let it Rest
  1. After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. While waiting, feel free to whip up a quick salad or sides.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Slice the chicken if you like, but don’t feel obligated. Serve it hot with your prepared sides, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSodium: 640mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g

Notes

  • Don’t Rush the Marinade Time: The longer, the better. If you let it sit overnight, you’ll experience layers of flavor.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh limes are superior to bottled juice. The taste will be noticeably different.
  • Balance is Key: If you want more heat, increase the cayenne. Prefer sweetness? Add a tad more honey.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures perfect doneness and keeps your chicken from drying out.
  • Experiment! Always feel free to swap out spices or add others you love. Garam masala and ginger, anyone?

Tried this recipe?

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