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Cheap Chicken Thigh Marinade Recipe Easy Flavorful 50 Cent Meal

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A budget-friendly, flavorful marinade that transforms inexpensive chicken thighs into a juicy, tender, and delicious meal. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Place 2 pounds (900g) of chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and massage gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  3. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate for 4 hours or overnight. If short on time, even 15 minutes will add some flavor.
  4. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place thighs skin-side down (if skin-on) into the hot pan.
  6. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain a good sear. Pat chicken dry before cooking to prevent steaming. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Use medium-high heat for a crispy crust. The marinade can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thigh marinade, cheap chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, budget-friendly dinner, flavorful chicken thighs, weeknight meal, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cheap-chicken-thigh-marinade-recipe-easy-flavorful-50-cent-meal/