Spicy Marinated Chicken Thighs
Turn up the heat with these Spicy Marinated Chicken Thighs—a flavor-packed recipe perfect for grill nights or cozy oven baking. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are infused with a bold marinade of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, honey, and soy sauce, delivering the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy. Whether grilled to perfection with a slight char or baked until golden and irresistible, these chicken thighs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 40 minutes (plus marinating time) and customizable with a garnish of fresh cilantro, this recipe pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Don’t miss out on this easy, protein-packed dish that’s the ultimate combination of spice and simplicity!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, honey, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to form the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
If grilling, oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If baking, place the chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden and slightly charred on the edges.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1780 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.7 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.8 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 750 mg | 250% | |
| Sodium | 4098 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 161.3 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 154 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1852 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
