Description
Succulent chicken thighs swimming in a Mediterranean-inspired marinade promise intense flavor for dinner guests. Zesty herbs, garlic, and lemon create a simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates weeknight cooking with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending olive oil, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure seamless flavor integration.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Completely saturate the meat with the prepared marinade, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally overnight to maximize flavor penetration.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (approximately 375-400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away.
- Position chicken thighs on grill grates, cooking 6-7 minutes per side. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F to guarantee safe consumption. Look for distinctive char marks indicating proper caramelization.
- After grilling, transfer chicken to a resting plate. Allow 3-4 minutes of rest to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and accompany with lemon slices. These final touches enhance visual appeal and provide a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, grilled chicken.
Notes
- Customize the marinade by swapping honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile or using agave nectar for a vegan alternative.
- Adjust salt levels carefully since soy sauce is already sodium-rich, potentially reducing added salt for heart-conscious diners.
- Enhance marinade’s depth by adding a splash of sesame oil or a teaspoon of grated ginger for an extra layer of Asian-inspired complexity.
- For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the umami flavor while keeping the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 442
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg