Marinated Chicken Thighs: Baking Them To Perfection

Chicken thighs are a great option for a tasty, juicy, and easy-to-prepare meal. They are more affordable than chicken breasts and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking and grilling. Marinating chicken thighs is not mandatory but is recommended for the best results, and there are many different marinade options to choose from. Marinades typically include a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, herbs, and spices, and chicken thighs should be left to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. After marinating, the chicken thighs can be baked in the oven at a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes for boneless thighs and 40-45 minutes for bone-in thighs.

How to Bake Marinated Chicken Thighs

Marinade ingredients and prep

A good chicken marinade needs a combination of five key elements: salt, spice, sweetness, acid, and umami. Herbs are also a nice addition but are not necessary.

For a marinade with an Asian-inspired flavour profile, you will need:

• Garlic
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cumin
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Lime juice and zest

For a marinade with a more classic flavour, you will need:

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Black pepper

For a marinade with a Greek-style flavour profile, you will need:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley

For a marinade with a savoury flavour profile, you will need:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Water
• Pearl onions
• Pickling spice
• Black peppercorns
• Garlic
• Beef bouillon
• Bay leaves

Prep

Combine all the ingredients for your chosen marinade in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Leave the chicken to rest in the marinade for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. Leaving the chicken to soak in the marinade for longer (up to eight hours) will deepen the flavour. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat and alter its texture.

Baking instructions

Marinade

Firstly, prepare your marinade. The ingredients you will need are olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic, dried parsley, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper. You can also add soy sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce to the mix. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.

Prepare the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a sealable container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure the meat is fully coated. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. The chicken should be left to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400-425˚F. Place the marinated chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20-35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165˚F. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with the liquid.

Broil the Chicken

For a nicely browned top, turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until golden.

Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Baked chicken thighs go well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. They can also be used in chicken salads and sandwiches.

How to serve

Baked marinated chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings. Here are some ideas and suggestions on how to serve them:

Side Dishes

Chicken thighs are delicious when served with a variety of side dishes. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or green beans, are excellent choices that complement the flavours of the chicken. For starch, mashed potatoes, rice, or Hasselback potatoes would be ideal. If you're looking for something simpler, a green salad or cucumber tomato salad will also do the trick.

One-Pan Meals

For a complete meal in one pan, consider adding potatoes to the chicken thighs during the baking process. This way, you'll have a hearty and flavourful dish with minimal effort.

Drizzle with Marinade

If you want to enhance the flavours even further, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken. After the chicken is cooked, drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs for added moisture and taste.

Garnishes and Crispy Skin

Garnishing the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, green onions, chives, dill, or basil adds a nice touch and extra freshness to the dish. If you're a fan of crispy chicken skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes before serving to achieve that perfect golden-brown texture.

Leftovers and Storage

Baked marinated chicken thighs also make delicious leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave for a quick and convenient meal.

Pairings with Other Dishes

If you're looking to make a more substantial meal, consider pairing the chicken thighs with sides like mushroom rice, creamy asparagus pasta, or a simple chopped salad. For a heartier option, Colcannon (an Irish mashed potato dish) is a comforting choice.

Variations and Customisations

You can also get creative and experiment with different flavour variations. For example, adding vegetables like broccoli or zucchini during the last 15 minutes of baking can provide a nutritious boost. Alternatively, sprinkling cheese, such as feta or parmesan, over the finished dish can take it to the next level.

In summary, baked marinated chicken thighs offer a range of serving options, from simple side dishes to more elaborate pairings. They can be customised to suit different tastes and occasions, making them a versatile and satisfying dish.

Marinade time

Marinating chicken is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. However, it's important not to leave the chicken in the marinade for too long, as this can negatively affect the texture.

Most sources recommend marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to infuse the meat with flavour. Leaving the chicken to marinate for longer—up to eight hours—can deepen the flavour. However, it's best not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.

If you're short on time, you can still achieve good results with a shorter marinade time. Even 15 to 20 minutes can make a difference and infuse extra flavour. If you're using a particularly acidic marinade, such as one containing lemon or lime juice, yoghurt or vinegar, it's especially important not to exceed the recommended marinade time, as these ingredients can quickly turn the chicken mushy.

On the other hand, if you're using a less acidic marinade, such as an oil-based one, you may find that a longer marinade time enhances the flavour. In this case, you could leave the chicken to marinate for up to 24 hours, or even a little longer, depending on the specific ingredients in the marinade.

It's worth noting that bone-in chicken thighs will require a longer marinade time than boneless thighs, as the marinade needs to penetrate the meat around the bone.

Chicken thigh benefits

Chicken thighs are a great, tasty, and affordable addition to your diet. Here are some of the benefits of including chicken thighs in your meals:

Nutrient-Dense

Chicken is considered a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. Chicken thighs also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that raises serotonin, the "feel-good" neurochemical. They are also a great source of important minerals like zinc and iron, which are present in higher quantities than in white meat. Dark meat also has higher B vitamin content, including thiamine, niacin, and B12, which help regulate the body's metabolism.

Cost-Effective

Chicken thighs are often a more affordable alternative to other meat or fish products, making them a great source of protein if you are on a budget.

Healthy and Delicious

Chicken thighs have a richer flavour and higher moisture content than white meat, making them a perfect, indulgent choice for many recipes. They are also a great source of protein, which can help support weight-management and bone health goals.

Versatile

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from casseroles and gumbos to pasta and salads. They can be baked, grilled, or stir-fried, and pair well with various side dishes, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.

Easy to Prepare

Chicken thigh recipes are often simple and easy to prepare, with minimal prep work required. They are a great option for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner and can be marinated ahead of time to deepen the flavour.

Frequently asked questions