Best Marinade for Grilled Chicken Thighs
This delicious marinade is extremely easy to make and is absolutely burst with flavor. Grill the chicken, make a salad and enjoy a perfect summer dinner.
Servings: 3 people
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs, skin-on
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (coriander)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade.1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, 2-3 garlic cloves, minced, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or for optimal flavor, refrigerate overnight. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken and freeze it immediately for future use. As the chicken defrosts, it will continue to absorb the flavors, resulting in perfectly seasoned meat ready to be cooked.
Grilling Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- Using kitchen tongs, place the chicken thighs on the hot grill, skin side down. Ensure any excess marinade drips off to prevent flare-ups.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, creating beautiful grill marks. Rotate the chicken as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully, resulting in a more delicious outcome.
- Preheating the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-200°C) before placing the chicken thighs on it. A properly preheated grill helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture and creating those beatiful grill marks.
- Monitoring Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to ensure they're cooked through. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This prevents overcooking and ensures juicy, tender chicken every time.
