Weeknight Chicken Thighs

This bold marinade adds depth to the chicken with enough seasoning and spice to flavor the meat in a short amount of time.

By | December 28, 2016

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4-6 Entree Serving(s)
Chicken & Marinade
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
  • 8 large organic boneless chicken things, skin on*
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

Recipe By Lynda Marren

Super-tender chicken thighs are my go-to for weekinght meals because they’re uniquely flavorful and ready in under half an hour.  Plan for two thighs per person because they are much smaller than breasts. I pair this recipe with seasonal vegetables and wild rice or farro.

Up to 5 Days Ahead:

1. Make Marinade: Place garlic, serrano chile, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper in a small food processor and purée until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare Honey Vinegar Glaze: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

Up to 5 Hours Ahead:

3. Place chicken thighs in a sturdy 3-lb. plastic bag and add marinade.

4. Squeeze air from bag and seal.

5. Use hands to massage marinade into chicken. Refreigerate until 1 hour before serving. Bring chicken to room temperature by placing the marinating bag of chicken in a large bowl on counter.

When Ready to Cook:

6. Preheat oven to 500°. Remove chicken pieces from marinade and gently pat top dry with a paper towel. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with at least an inch between each piece. Season with additional salt and pepper.

7. Bake chicken for 20 minutes. Check thighs at thickest part with an instant-read thermometer; temperature should reach 160°. Turn broiler to high and drizzle chicken with Honey Vinegar glaze. Broil tops of thighs for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the skin.

8. Place on plates and drizzle with remaining Honey Vinegar Glaze.

*Forget what your mom taught you—chicken does not need to be rinsed! Marinate straight from the butcher and there will be no need to sterilize colanders and your sink. 

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4-6 Entree Serving(s)
Chicken & Marinade
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
  • 8 large organic boneless chicken things, skin on*
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced