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Flavorful Spanish-Style Chicken Marinade Recipe for Juicy Thighs

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A simple yet bold Spanish-style marinade that transforms chicken thighs into juicy, tender, and flavorful bites with smoky paprika, garlic, and citrus notes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (Spanish pimentón if available)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and vibrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover tightly, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight (8-12 hours) for best flavor and tenderness.
  4. About 20-30 minutes before cooking, remove chicken from the fridge to bring to room temperature.
  5. Preheat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until a golden, crispy crust forms.
  7. Flip the thighs, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  9. Serve warm with fresh sides like salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, for best flavor and tenderness. Pat chicken skin dry before searing to ensure crispiness. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Leftovers reheat best in skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spanish chicken marinade, smoked paprika chicken, juicy chicken thighs, easy chicken marinade, weeknight dinner, smoky chicken, garlic chicken marinade

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/flavorful-spanish-style-chicken-marinade-recipe-for-juicy-thighs/