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Easy Tender Marinated Chicken Thighs Overnight Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated overnight in a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and yields a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • ⅓ cup olive oil (80ml)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (60ml) (use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on soy sauce saltiness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined and honey dissolves.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl or a large resealable plastic bag with the marinade. Toss or seal and gently massage to coat each piece thoroughly.
  3. Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 8 hours or overnight to tenderize and develop flavor.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  5. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange skin-side up on the rack or baking sheet. Discard remaining marinade.
  6. Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer is available, ensure juices run clear when pierced near the bone.
  7. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Optional: For crispier skin, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Marinate overnight for best tenderness and flavor. Pat chicken dry before roasting to crisp skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve skin texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: marinated chicken thighs, overnight marinade, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, dinner recipe, bone-in chicken, skin-on chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/easy-tender-marinated-chicken-thighs-overnight-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/