Chicken Thigh Marinade
A simple, flavorful marinade that keeps chicken thighs juicy and tender, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Balanced with savory, tangy, and lightly sweet notes for everyday family meals.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- resealable bag or shallow dish
- grill, oven, or skillet
- whisk
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess liquid, and cook using preferred method: Grill: medium heat 5–7 minutes per side; Bake: 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes; Pan-sear: medium heat 6–8 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Notes
Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce sugar for a healthier version.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
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