20 Flavorful Chicken Thigh Marinade Recipes for Grilling
Are you tired of the same old boring grilled chicken? Do you want to add some excitement to your outdoor cooking routine? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore 20 different flavorful chicken thigh marinade recipes that are perfect for grilling. From classic combinations like honey garlic and lemon herb to international-inspired flavors like teriyaki ginger and thai peanut, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just looking for some new ideas to try out, these chicken thigh marinades are sure to impress your friends and family. So why wait? Let’s get started and explore the wonderful world of grilled chicken!
Honey Garlic Soy Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory marinade that combines the flavors of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (up to 12 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Lime Chicken Thigh Marinade
Brighten up your meal with this zesty and refreshing marinade, perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, Sriracha, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference: grilled for 5-7 minutes per side, baked for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Marinade
Brighten up your chicken with a zesty lemon herb marinade that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a hint of citrus and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add 4-6 chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they’re coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken thighs according to your preference: grilled for 5-7 minutes per side, or baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-30 minutes
Teriyaki Ginger Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this savory and aromatic marinade that combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the warmth of ginger. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. With the motor running, slowly add sesame oil through the top.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 6-8 minutes per side
– Baked: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this smoky paprika marinade that combines the richness of olive oil, the depth of smoked paprika, and the brightness of citrus. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes total
Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade that combines the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the earthy aroma of rosemary. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the top.
4. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook chicken according to desired method: grilling (8-10 minutes per side) or baking (20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Coconut Curry Chicken Thigh Marinade
Add a tropical twist to your chicken with this flavorful marinade, featuring the creamy richness of coconut and the warmth of curry spices. Perfect for grilling or baking, these chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, coconut, curry powder, honey, ginger, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Add garlic and blend until well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (grilled), 35-40 minutes (baked)
Maple Dijon Chicken Thigh Marinade
Add a tangy twist to your chicken thighs with this sweet and savory marinade, perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method: grilled for 5-7 minutes per side, or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thigh Marinade
Add a Caribbean twist to your chicken with this flavorful marinade. Perfect for grilling or baking, this jerk seasoning blend will transport you to the islands!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
5. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
– Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the pungency of garlic with the richness of parmesan cheese to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Ginger Chicken Thigh Marinade
This citrusy and spicy marinade brings a new level of excitement to your chicken thighs. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. With the motor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Grill or bake chicken thighs according to your preference. Cook until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
BBQ Brown Sugar Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering marinade that combines the richness of brown sugar, the tanginess of BBQ sauce, and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
3. Place 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
4. Seal or cover the container, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 10-12 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Baked: 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Greek Yogurt Lemon Pepper Chicken Thigh Marinade
A refreshing and flavorful marinade that combines the tanginess of Greek yogurt with the brightness of lemon zest, perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference: grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sesame Soy Ginger Chicken Thigh Marinade
A flavorful and aromatic marinade that combines the savory notes of soy sauce, the warmth of ginger, and the nutty taste of sesame oil to create a mouthwatering chicken dish.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt.
2. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pineapple Chipotle Chicken Thigh Marinade
Add a tropical twist to your chicken with this sweet and smoky marinade, perfect for grilling or baking. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle peppers. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Herbed Buttermilk Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade featuring the brightness of fresh herbs and tanginess of buttermilk. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs, this recipe is a great way to add moisture and depth to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, olive oil, garlic, parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Add 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method: grilled for 5-7 minutes per side, or baked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (marinating) + 5-7 minutes per side (grilling) or 20-25 minutes (baking)
Garlic Butter Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this simple yet flavorful garlic butter marinade. Perfect for grilled, baked, or sautéed chicken thighs!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, butter, lemon juice, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re coated evenly.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill, oven, or skillet to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method, about 20-25 minutes total (grilled) or 40-45 minutes (baked or sautéed).
6. Garnish with parsley or thyme leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-45 minutes
Red Wine Rosemary Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade that combines the boldness of red wine, the earthiness of rosemary, and the richness of olive oil. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together red wine, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure they are fully coated with the mixture.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including marinating time)
Thai Peanut Chicken Thigh Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this aromatic and spicy marinade, perfect for grilled or baked chicken thighs. With the bold flavors of Thailand, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and curry paste. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook according to your preference (grill for 5-7 minutes per side, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes).
Citrus Cilantro Chicken Thigh Marinade
Brighten up your meal with this refreshing citrus-cilantro marinade, perfect for grilling or baking chicken thighs. With a zesty blend of citrus juices, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices, this marinade adds depth and excitement to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange and lime juices, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, and cumin.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 10-12 minutes per side
– Baked: 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 20 flavorful chicken thigh marinade recipes! From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, there’s something for every taste bud. Try the Honey Garlic Soy Chicken Thigh Marinade, Spicy Sriracha Lime Chicken Thigh Marinade, or Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Marinade. Or go international with Teriyaki Ginger Chicken Thigh Marinade, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thigh Marinade, or Thai Peanut Chicken Thigh Marinade. Whether you’re a beginner or a grilling pro, these marinades will add excitement to your outdoor cooking routine. So fire up the grill and get marinating!
