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Chicken Thigh Marinade

A flavorful marinade for chicken thighs that yields tender, juicy, and caramelized meat with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauces and Condiments
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 305
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 to 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Gallon-sized zip-top bag or shallow baking dish
  • Paper towels
  • Grill, oven, or skillet
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Pour the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl and whisk until combined.
  2. Add the honey and Dijon mustard and stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Add the minced garlic and mix well to distribute.
  4. Whisk in the dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
  5. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a gallon-sized zip-top bag or shallow baking dish.
  6. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, seal the bag or cover the dish, and gently massage to coat each piece.
  7. Refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
  8. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Grill or bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken if you want to use it as a finishing glaze or dipping sauce.