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Juicy Chicken Thigh Marinade with Herbs and Citrus Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This flavorful chicken thigh marinade combines olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest to create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy tastes. It tenderizes and enhances the chicken thighs, making them delicious whether grilled, baked, or pan-cooked. Marinate for at least one hour to let the flavors deeply penetrate, resulting in juicy and aromatic chicken.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Spoon the marinade over the chicken pieces ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours to deepen the flavor and tenderness.
  4. Cook as Desired: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken thighs using your preferred method such as grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer than one hour, up to 24 hours, yields more tender and flavorful results.
  • Discard leftover marinade or bring it to a boil if you wish to use as a sauce, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
  • Cooking times will vary depending on method; ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce the quantities by half.
  • This marinade works well with other cuts of chicken such as breasts or drumsticks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on cooking method)
  • Category: Marinade
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://everecipes.com/juicy-chicken-thigh-marinade-with-herbs-and-citrus-recipe/