Go Back

Chicken Thigh Marinade

A rich and flavorful marinade that keeps chicken thighs moist and tender, perfect for grilling or baking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 46 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 2.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Large zip-top plastic bag or glass dish for marinating
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cast iron skillet or grill grates for cooking
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pour the olive oil and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic to the oil and lemon mixture.
  3. Add the oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the wet mixture and whisk thoroughly.
  4. Fold in the chopped fresh rosemary and thyme with a spoon.
  5. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and trim any large pockets of fat.
  6. Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or shallow glass dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated.
  7. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  8. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.
  9. Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
  10. Transfer chicken thighs from the marinade to the cooking surface and discard the remaining marinade.
  11. Cook boneless, skinless thighs for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook bone-in, skin-on thighs for 25 to 35 minutes, checking they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  12. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight and consider using fresh herbs when possible.