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Crispy 5-Ingredient Easy Chicken Marinade

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This crispy 5-ingredient chicken marinade is a reliable solution for busy weeknights, delivering a golden, shatteringly crisp crust with juicy, flavorful meat underneath using just five simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 thighs)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Take chicken thighs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs. Use your hands or tongs to toss until every piece is well coated. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
  4. Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot for 3-4 minutes. Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) and swirl to coat.
  5. Carefully place the chicken thighs into the hot pan, skin-side down. Do not crowd the pan. Let sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken using tongs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side. If thighs are thick, transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from pan and let rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the crispiest results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours or the acid from the lemon juice can make the meat mushy. Resist the urge to move the chicken while searing; let it develop a crust. Use a splatter screen to keep the stovetop clean. Leftover marinade should not be poured into the pan as it will burn.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken marinade, crispy chicken, 5-ingredient recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, soy sauce chicken, garlic chicken

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-5-ingredient-easy-chicken-marinade/