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Chicken Thigh Marinade

Delicious Chicken Thigh Marinade for Juicy Flavor Boost

This Chicken Thigh Marinade is a game-changer for juicy flavor and easy preparation.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Marinating Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 23 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken thighs
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil can substitute with any vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup Honey agave syrup is a good alternative
  • 1/4 cup Low sodium soy sauce substitute with coconut aminos for gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce omit if gluten-free or replace with additional soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard use yellow mustard if unavailable
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin can be replaced with smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt use sea salt or table salt as substitutes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional for a touch of heat
  • 2 Limes provide juice and zest; alternatively, use lemon juice

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill
  • Oven
  • Ziptop bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Thigh Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roughly chopped garlic, extra virgin olive oil, honey, low sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper, if using. Zest and juice the limes into the mixture and whisk until evenly blended, creating a rich, fragrant Chicken Thigh Marinade. This should take about 5 minutes to combine thoroughly.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl or transfer everything to a ziptop bag for easier coating. Gently toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If you're short on time, let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes; for maximum flavor, refrigerate it for 4-6 hours or up to 12 hours, turning occasionally for even distribution of the marinade.
  3. About 15 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature. Preheat your chosen cooking method: if grilling, set your grill to medium-high heat; for baking, preheat the oven to 425°F.
  4. Once the grill is hot, oil the grates to prevent sticking and place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F.
  5. If you choose to bake the marinated chicken thighs, arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, checking for doneness.
  6. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken thighCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 9gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store marinated chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze marinated chicken thighs for up to 3 months for longer storage.

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