Chicken Thigh Marinade

Want a Chicken Thigh Marinade recipe that makes your weeknight dinner special? You’re in the right place! This marinade brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home with just a little effort.

It transforms ordinary chicken thighs into juicy, flavorful bites packed with herbs, spices, and a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and smoky flavors.

This marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a barbecue, or simply looking for a delicious dinner, this Chicken Thigh Marinade will give your chicken incredible depth of flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an easy go-to for busy weeknights!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large zip-top bag or airtight container

Ingredients Overview

• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the flavors infuse.
• Citrus & Vinegar: Tenderizes the chicken while adding brightness.
• Garlic & Herbs: Build bold, aromatic flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 lbs boneless or bone-in chicken thighs

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, mustard, and all spices.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

For Grilling:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

For Baking:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

For Pan-Searing:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
2. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Marinate Time

30 minutes – 12 hours

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes – 12 hours 35 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: ~16g
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Protein: ~30g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Juiciness: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
• Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate for up to 12 hours.
• Grill Marks Tip: Pat chicken dry before grilling to get a beautiful sear.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade on chicken breasts?
Yes! It works well for chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

How long should I marinate chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes! Freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Zesty Option: Swap lemon juice for lime juice and add fresh cilantro.

Chicken Thigh Marinade

Want a **Chicken Thigh Marinade** recipe that makes your weeknight dinner special? You’re in the right place! This marinade brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home with just a little effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Large zip-top bag or airtight container

Ingredients

  

• - 1/3 cup olive oil
• - 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• - 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• - 4 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
• - 2 lbs boneless or bone-in chicken thighs

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Prepare the Marinade**
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, mustard, and all spices.
• #### **Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**
• Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
• Seal and refrigerate for **at least 30 minutes** (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
• #### **Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
• **For Grilling:**
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken for **5-6 minutes per side** until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
• **For Baking:**
• Preheat oven to **400°F (200°C)**.
• Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for **25-30 minutes**, flipping halfway.
• **For Pan-Searing:**
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
• Cook chicken for **5-6 minutes per side**, until browned and cooked through.
• #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.