Spicy Marinated Chicken Thighs

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 min. plus additional 4 to 12 hours marinating time
• Cook Time: 45 min.
• Difficulty: easy
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Talk about a flavorful marinade.  It’s both tangy and spicy. I love lemon zest and it really brings the flavor profile to a full circle.  Take your time marinading your chicken.  I like to marinate it overnight, but no less than 4 hours.  Also, I sometimes make and extra batch to use as a sauce. * Pair this dish with Chicken Rice with Onions and Garlic and a side salad. 

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ yellow onion, chopped
• 4 to 8 Thai chili peppers, minced **
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. oregano
• Chives, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl add all the ingredients, except chicken.  Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Add chicken thighs to a zip lock bag and pour marinade over chicken. Roll the chicken around to coat completely and allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.  Toss the chicken on occasion as the marinade will settle.
3. Heat oven to 400℉ place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 min.  The internal temperature should reach 165℉. *
4. Once done, top with additional sauce if you made it and chives. 

Notes:

*I often make a double batch of the marinade to use as a dipping sauce.  For the dipping sauce, I cook the marinade for a few minutes, and drizzle on the chicken prior to serving.

**Use 8 Thai peppers if you want it really spice, or if spicy food isn’t an option for you just leave the peppers out.