Baked chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
Prepare the seasoning mix. Combine paprika, thyme, basil, and rosemary in a small mixing bowl.
Prep the chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then rub the seasoning mix over each piece. Transfer the chicken thighs to a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.
Make the marinade. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic until thoroughly incorporated.
Marinate. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs. Cover the chicken thighs and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Prep to bake. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Remove the chicken from the fridge and set them on the counter while the oven preheats.
Bake. Remove the cover and bake the chicken for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the liquid.
Broil. Turn on the broiler and continue baking for 3 to 4 more minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Rest, then serve. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest 5 minutes on the counter. Serve the chicken with the pan sauce and garnish with green onions.
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Notes
Chicken Thighs: I used bone-in, skinless chicken, but skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs can produce juicier and more flavorful meat.
Marinating Time: While this recipe calls for at least 1 hour of marinating, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
Basting: Basting the chicken halfway through cooking keeps the meat juicy and adds extra flavor.a
Temperature Check: The internal temperature of cooked chicken should register at 165˚F.
Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven to help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also keep cooked chicken thighs in the freezer for up to 3 months.