Killer Crack Chicken Marinade
Love this recipe so much because its a breeze to make and it tastes so good. The flavors are a combination of Asian style with the sesame oil and soy sauce, combined with the Worcestershire sauce, lemon, lots of garlic and honey. Its definitely sweet and salty goodness.
My best advice for this recipe is to allow it marinate as long as you can. We need those yummy flavors attaching themselves to that chicken. The beauty of this dish is that you can use any type of chicken (breasts, boneless, skinless) and you can also grill it or fry it in a pan. This chicken will pair perfectly with my Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Rice.
Thank you for swinging by Hungry Happens! If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the dish! LOVE YOUR LIFE!
Crack Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, bone in skin on
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 5 tbs honey (or maple syrup)
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbs ginger
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pat your chicken pieces dry.
- In a large bow, whisk together the oils, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. Add in the chicken and toss to coat all. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Transfer your chicken to 9×13" baking dish and pour over the marinade. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temp of the chicken reads 165°F. I basted the chicken pieces halfway through so that they wouldn't dry out.
- Mine came out crispy and browned on top, if yours needs the color, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to give them that crispy tan.
Made this last night and my entire family loved it!
Hi David! Thanks for trying it out and i’m glad it was enjoyed!!
Hi Stella! using boneless, skinless thighs. would I lay thighs out or fold when cooking? thanks for recipe & help!
I would roll them up so that they would fit in the baking dish!
can’t wait to try this!
This looks delicious! So if I use boneless thighs how would I adjust the cooking time?
Hi Alley, probably take 20-25 minutes and a few minutes on broil to get a tan (if it needs it)
Tik Tok bought me here. Tried the recipe and its a flavour bomb. Fantatsic!
Love to read that Andrew! Thanks for the kind feedback!
Is there a low carb honey substitute?
agave?
agave is not what it promised years ago. still spikes glucose 😕
There is keto honey. Lots of brands out there but I’ve used ChocZero and it was good.
There are several keto honey substiitutes available – check out video by Serious Keto who reviews 3 of them.
I’m about to make this, I have everything ready and marinated, do you think I could bake the thighs in a cast iron skillet?
Hi Stefanie, You can definitely use a cast iron skillet…sorry for the late reply!
Hi, someone asked about using a cast iron skillet for the thighs. I was wondering if I should preheat the cast iron skillet before adding the thighs and marinade.
Thanks
Hi Hank, A nice sear in the cast iron sounds great to me! Cheers!
OK… I’m an obsessive engineer. The recipe serves 6, but there are 8 thighs in the picture. Looks yummy! Am currently prepping the marinade! Thanks!
Hi Jim! It depends on how hungry your family is… We eat two thighs each, but most eat just one thigh. So I averaged it out around 6 servings! Hope that helps!
,👍! and thats being kinda get
👍
I plan to make this this week ,but could I use chicken breast instead?
Aboslutely!
I bought thighs but they’re skinless they should still turned out good in the oven correct?
Could I use chicken breasts instead
Hi Kathryn, YES! chicken breast works just decrease cook time to 20 minutes. Make sure you use a meat thermometer
I’m concerned about pouring the marinade into the chicken without boiling it first because of bacteria. ???
Hi Diane, do not worry.. it will all cook in the oven.
Have you always boiled chicken/other meat before marinating? If so, you need to stop doing that, once meat has cooked the marinade can no longer penetrate the meat and function correctly as a marinade, always marinate first! Don’t worry about bacteria so much, as long as the meat is properly handled and gets up to the appropriate temperature all the bugs get heat killed!
Do you cover with foil when baking in the oven? Or leave it uncovered?
Hi Elaine! This gets baked uncovered!
Love the recipe but love and appreciate the ease of finding and printing recipes. Thank you, thank you!
Yes, so much better when you can print right? Thank you for the comment!
So happy to have found your blog as I love Greek food. As a diabetic am glad to see so many are low carb or could be made that way with some subs.
Hi Kate, Welcome to the family! Glad you are enjoying the dishes and I wish all the best! Thanks for the kind comment!
Want to join! Recipe looks amazing. I will try it this weekend!!
That seems like a lot of sesame oil.
HI John, its 1 tablespoon for 8 chicken pieces – its not too much. But you can lessen it or leave it out if you prefer!
Hello,
Do you use toasted sesame oil or regular sesame oil? Thanks!
Hi Kim, For this recipe, I used regular sesame oil. I save toasted sesame oil to use when I’m using it in a salad dressing or eating it raw (uncooked). If you do a fried rice for example, use the regular sesame oil.
Interested in making this, but with some thick cut boneless pork chops I have to get used up.
How would you suggest adjusting the cooking temp/time for the different protein?
Hi David, Yes, you can definitely use up those pork chops with this marinade! I would bake at 400 F. for 15 -20 minutes or until internal temp reads 145 F. Hope you enjoy!!
What about steak and ham slices?
Use this exact recipe except substitute thick pork chops for the chicken. Totally awesome.
Hi Ronald! A few people did that too! Thanks for sharing and I’ glad you enjoyed the marinade!!
Scrumptious!!
Thanks Jill! Glad you liked the dish!
This was so amazing. Definetly doing the happy dance while eating. I used boneless/skinless thighs. Bone-in w/skin is delicious too but I like the idea of consuming without a bone in the way. TY.
Glad you liked the dish! And thanks for taking the time to rate it!!
Made this for dinner tonight and it was super simple and super delicious!
Hi Norma, Glad you enjoyed the chicken dish! Thanks for the feedback!
Sounds delicious – can I air fry this recipe?
Do you think this could be down in a slow cooker? Thanks
Air fryer?
La mejor salsa para marinar el pollo!!!
Deliciosa!!!🥳
The best marinade sauce for chicken!!!
Delicious!!!🥳🥳🥳
Felicitaciones!!!
Congratulations!!!
Can’t wait to make this!! Where did you purchase your marinade bowl with lid? Thanks!!
HI Autumn! Thank you very much!
This bowl situation is just a large glass bowl with a silicon lid i purchase on the food 52 site and they are actually on sale right now. I will link it below for you…
https://food52.com/shop/products/6367-five-two-airtight-silicone-lids
What is a good side dish to have with this chicken? I am not a good cook but I can follow a recipe. Please recommend something to go along with this chicken as it looks delicious but without a side dish this recipe will sit untried on my shelf. Thanks
Onolishious
Yummy! I doubled the recipe and marinated two bone in breasts (cut in half) and four thighs about 5 hours. It may be cheating but my husband grilled over a mix of direct and indirect heat on his Weber charcoal grill. The crispy charred skin was wonderful and meat tender. Two thumbs up!
How long and at what temperature would you do if using an air fryer?
I made this for my family last night and it was awesome!!!
How long should chicken legs be cooked for?
Might be the best chicken I have ever had. It was so juicy and flavorful. The name is fitting. I need my next fix already. (And shut up all you Karen’s that were giving her a hard time about the name. Lighten up.
It calls for 10 garlic minced . I have a family member that doesn’t like alot garlic
Will it have a very garlicky taste? And if so can I leave that out and would it change the taste dramatically?
Thank you
Becky
I made it tonight. Looks amazing, smells delicious and the top of the thighs look awesome!!!!
I didn’t see anything about putting the chicken in the grill? But I’m sure it would taste just as good? And baste The chicken with the marinade as it cooks
Love this! It was delicious and my teens loved it! They voted it a keeper!
Hi Edie! Glad the whole family was into it!
Is this like a sweet n sour marinade?
Hi Lisa, I would not categorize it in the sweet and sour. Its more savory sweet (if that helps)
What could you substitute for sesame oil as my daughter has nut allergies? Thank you!
Hi Amy, just add a little more olive oil… ENJOY!
Making this right now! So cool when you have all the recipe ingredients on hand!
I was wondering can you barbecue this?? It’s really hot here today in Southern California so I was thinking instead baking this yummy chicken maybe I can barbecue it? What ya think?
Laurie
Hi Laurie – YES you can definitely barbecue! Hope youre staying cool in CA!
I made this today and my very picky 8 year old grandson said. “This is very good! Where did you get this from?”. I told him from a recipe I saw online! He said “Tell them it is very good!!”
Hi Linda, Awwww your grandson is so awesome! Tell him I said hes a rock star!
Omgosh this is amazing. Served it with sautéed cabbage bokchoy and onions and Wow. So so good!!
I did it today and it was totally amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
Made this for my husband and grandson and we all loved it. I just used 4 thighs and then half of the marinade which worked great. I love the simplicity and the fact that everything can be done ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven and easily fix the rest of the meal while the chicken is baking.
Carol
This recipe is easy and quick and delicious!! We will definitely be making this dish again soon!!
Hi Lauri! Glad you tried it and loved it! Thanks for the rating too!
Made this today and it looks and tastes delicious.. thank you for a great recipe..👍🏻
Hi ELaine, YESSSS glad you enjoyed! Thank you for the rating!!
My husband said might be the best chicken thighs I’ve made .. and I didn’t even marinade it long enough .. thank you!
YESSS love to read that!!
1 large lemon is equal to 5 tablespoon lemon juice .
I haven’t tried this yet but I am going to soon !
HI Robert, You will love this recipe!! Enjoy!
Hi!
Going to make this tonight for dinner, any tips on what I could add to make it spicy?
Thank you
Hi you can add sriracha sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade to bring the HEAT!
I am making mine with hot honey !!! That will kick it up. I’m marinading it now 🙂
Do you cover (foil or lid) the chicken while baking?
Hi Anna, No foil or cover while baking this dish.
Made this today, so delicious!!
Hi Day! Glad you enjoyed the chicken and thanks for trying it!
Silly question. Do you keep the lid/foil on when you bake/broil?
No lid or cover when baking these! ENJOY!
omg !!! This was soooooo good !!!! thank you (I used boneless – skinless thighs)
Hi Jane! Love it! Thank you for tkaing the time to leave a comment and rate the dish!!!!!
You bake it covered?
Thanks.
Bake this UNCOVERED
Absolutely delicious. I usually loathe cooking, it stresses me out to no end! You made it fun, seamless, and YUMMY. This recipe has given me much more confidence in the kitchen, thank you so much for sharing!
Scrumptious recipe…the hubs says that’s need to be a staple…my finicky daughter even asked me to pack a lunch for her. It’s a keeper!
Can I use an air fryer to make this? If oneless thighs and breasts? Thanksso how long and at what temp for boneless thighs and breasts? Thank you!
Nice flavors and the chicken got deep golden brown in 35 minutes, but without searing that skin in a skillet, it’s still too fatty to eat. No amount of broiling will crisp up the fat layer adequately.
Very very yummy
Marinated 24 hours. I found this ok. Nothing special. I cook thighs often. This recipe was aromatic but not so flavorful.
What should I serve it with
Rice or mashed potatoes!
Made this tonight and already have requests to make it again tomorrow! I thought I had sesame oil but I didnt. I did add some more seasoning as well. This recipe is a keeper for sure!
Hi Tyler! That’s awesome and I’m happy to read it! Thanks for the rating!!
Hi there!I made this last night and it was GREAT. I’m wondering if I can make another batch but with chicken breasts and in the slow cooker?
Hi Kelly ! Glad you liked the chicken dish! I think that would be a great idea!! DEfinitely try it!
Hi, I am going to try it today. But o don’t have sesame oil, what is the suitable substitute.
Thank you
Hi! You can sub in olive oil! ENjoy the dinner!
We made this for dinner and it was so delicious! Very easy to make. We added 3 pcs of calamansi (as the lemon we had was small)& the flavor was just wonderful! So tasty! Thanks so much!
Hi Carleen, glad you enjoyed the Killer Chicken! Thanks for the rating too!
This marinade was incredibly delicious!!
Hi Tammy, Glad you tried the dish and liked it!!!!
it was savory but was expecting more of a flavor bomb. I had marinate it for three days turning it over each night will still cook this again because it was so easy to make and it did taste good. I baked it for 38 minutes to give it the dark color
I tried it and it was great. I even bought a new garlic press so it would be faster to chop/mince all the garlic. Everyone loved it.
Hi Shirley! Oh i can’t live without my garlic press!! Glad you liked the chicken dish Too!
Thank you so much for all your recipes, love them all, I’ve tried making a few already 😀.
Made this chicken thigh few mth back and my family love it, so tasty, quick and simple ingredients. Planning to make it for dinner again today 😆.
Thank you again! ❤️
Hi Rose, I’m so glad you tried it and it was a hit with everyone!
Is the salt necessary? As light soy sauce is already a bit salty? My father and I both have high blood pressure.
Hi Charles, You can customize the recipe to your own preferences. The way I have it listed, is the way I recommend making it! Cheers!
delicious! paired it with the greek salad. lovely dinner!
Hi Lynne, So happy you enjoyed this dish! Thank you for the review!!
absolutely deeeelicious ❗️🤩
OMG this chicken recipe was so good! I am making again for dinner tomorrow. I marinated overnight. Paired well with Basmati rice and a salad. So many flavors!!!!!
sounds absolutely perfect with your pairings!
One of my favourites & it’s so easy
Absolutely delicious! Everyone loved it!
Hi Wanda, glad you guys liked the dish and thanks so much for the rating!
If i use chicken breast. How do i adjust the cooking time?
Hi Jana, I would do 425F. and cook for 22-25 minutes (depending on how thick your chicken pieces are)
Seriously YUM! I so want to make this tomorrow. I have everything other than sesame oil in the house and I’m too lazy to walk 12 blocks to the store! LOL Can you think of a plausible substitute? Thanks!
Hi Judy, I get you !! And i’m sorry for the late reply! I would just add in more olive oil
Made this for 100 people. They raved about the chicken.
Thank you!
Hi Kimberlee, WOW 100 people!???? That’s a big dinner! BRAVO!!!
Delicious and easy. Next time I will save the juice and make ramen.
Made this at the fire house and it was a hit.
Tony
Hi Tony! Glad it was enjoyed! Thanks for the review!!
I made and it’s delicious! I’m going to make again this week!
Hi Maria, that’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed them!
I have this marinating but already used toasted seasame oil bc it was All I had. Is it ruined now?
Hi Tiffany, Oh that just brings on more flavor! No worries
This makes a lot of marinade. thinking about a layer of potatoes under the thighs, cooked in the marinade. Has anyone tried?
Hey Jules, I would say yes, but maybe cut the potatoes into small cubes since the cook time is short on this dish
I made this with chicken thighs and it came out DELICIOUS! I was wondering if this marinate would work just as well for ribs.
Hi Patricia, I would say yes it would translate quite well!
Really great – thanks so much!
Glad you enjoyed!
Absolutely delish! I did broil
In the end and I also marinated overnight.
Hi Patti, that sounds fantastic! Thanks so much for trying it!!
What could I use instead of sesame oil?
more olive oil
My husband and I loved this, so I made it again for a Galentine dinner I hosted and it was a huge hit! Perfect with rice to enjoy the marinade.
Hi Robin, glad EVERYONE enjoyed the dish! Thanks for taking the time to leave some feedback!
Sounds like a great dish, however poor choice of title. :_(.
Moist , easy and delicious –
You’re awesome!!
Thanks,
Laura
You are awesome Laura! Thank you!
Made this last night just as written and it was awesome. My wife who is a picky eater even said this is a keeper recipe. Thank you for sharing!
HI Dallas, Thanks for trying it and I’m glad it was enjoyed by both of you!!!!
Hi Stella,
I have only just joined and this is my first recipe. After reading everyone comments i cooked with chicken nibbles, wings etc. I marinated it overnight and because i didnt have Garlic i Substitute it with Garlic and herb mix. I cooked it at a kesser time as you mentioned on other post and it was brown and crispy on the top. My family loved it so much! Thank you!!! p. s my family bought chicken cutkets because they want me tō cook this again! The best part was the i greduents was in my pantry. Thank you!
Hi MJ, Oh I love to read that the whole family loved it! Thank you for trying it and welcome to the family here!!!
Family loved this! We made rice bowls with some
Sautéed veggies
Trying fòr the first time, hard to trust ticktock, glad you’re here. X
Thanks Rackie! Glad you’re here too!
Thanks for this delicious recipe. My oven runs hot so it’s a bit darker than yours, but it was still wonderful. I served it with air fryer broccoli and jasmine rice. It’s a keeper! I tried to post a picture but it didn’t work.
Hi Lynn, glad you liked it! And thank you for taking the time to try the recipe and rate it!
Loved this recipe, thank you!
I had 4 boneless skinless thighs and I pan fried them. Served with mashed cauliflower/rutabaga and salad. Hubby loved it all!
Can’t wait to try this tomorrow night. Looks amazing.
Easy and delicious! Flavorful,crispy and tender.Will be in our regular dinner rotation due to its simplicity and taste.Thanks for the great addition to our table
It calls for 1 tablespoon ginger. Is that fresh or powdered?
One tablespoon fresh.
So flavourful! I made it with the mashed potatoes. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Cheers!
Making tomorrow with bone in skin on breasts….in oven….time and temp adjustment? Pretty big bone in breasts!❤️❤️
If you use bone in skin on breasts, What temp would you bake them and for how long?
Hi Stella!!! Yet another amazing recipe! This chicken is full of flavour. Really enjoying following ur recipes ur a gem x
HI Danielle, glad you liked it so much! Thanks for the kind rating and being here and supporting the page!!
Very easy and tasty. Will def make again!
Absolutely delicious chicken! The marinade made a delicious sauce! Do you use powdered ginger or freshly grated. I went with a tsp powdered because I was unsure. Thank you for all of you delicious recipes!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, Thanks so much for trying it out and the super kind review! The ground ginger absolutely works in recipes too!
Huge hit at my dinner party last night. Like the recipe and marinated it overnight. Wish I could post a photo.
Hi Marianne, glad it was enjoyed by all! Thanks for trying it!
One of my go to recipes now. Thanks
Hi Neil! Glad you like the dish! Thanks for the kind rating!
If using boneless skinless thighs how long do you cook them
Hi Christie, I would do them for 25-30 minutes
i made it yesterday and my kids absolutely loved it!!! it will definitely become a staple at our house!!
Hi Carmen, Glad it was enjoyed by all! Thanks for trying it!
😋💦💦💦💦💦
Fresh ginger???
Yes!
I used skinless, boneless breasts. I marinated it for 2.5 hours & thought it was pretty good. My 13 yr old son loved it.
Hi Leigh, glad your son enjoyed and thanks for the feedback!
Hi, I”m trying this tomorrow! Have you tried this recipe in the air fryer??
HI Jennifer, this will definitely work in the air fryer
I used this as a marinade for grilled chicken and my husband and kids went crazy. They LOVED IT!! So much flavor and the chicken was tender. It was so easy to put together… I used those frozen ginger and garlic cubes from Trader Joe’s, and had everything else in the pantry. This will absolutely become a regular on our grilling rotation. Good enough and so easy for entertaining. Love this! Thank you!!
Hi Joanne, brilliant on chicken! Glad it was enjoyed by everyone! I also keep those TJ’s frozen cubes around to use in a pinch! They’re a must! Have a great day!
Making this for the 4th time! I always marinate overnight (one time just over 4 hrs) and it’s so good, so easy and consistently dee-lish!
Thank you!
Patrick Mullaney | eXp Realty, LLC.
c 305-219-4921
Could you do chicken wings with this marinade and if so, how long to cook them?
I made this a few nights ago and followed the recipe exactly. It was fabulous, but it made an awful mess of my Pyrex baking dish. I just thought I would warn others. Next time. and there definitely will be a next time, I will foil line my baking dish. I believe that the soy sauce caramelizes at the high temp at long cook time.
Do you have to use sesame oil?
Is it safe to use the marinade? Most recipes say to discard the marinade, especially with chicken. I want to marinate the chicken, brown it in a skillet, and transfer it to a crockpot to finish cooking. Thoughts? Thank you! Susan
Hi Susan, Never use marinade that has touched raw chicken/meat. That needs to be discarded. You can cook it in the marinade in a crockpot!
But if you save some of the marinade separately before you add it to the chicken and then use that as the sauce – that is safe too!
Love love this. I made for friends and now making for my 7.5&6 yr old grandsons!
Hi Annamarie, glad your squad loved it! Thanks for the glowing review and I know the grandkids will love it too!
Delicious great flavor and very tender. Love it.
Hi Maria, That’s awesome! Thanks for trying it!
Hi can you make it on grill as well?
Has anyone tried grilling the chicken?
The entire family lives this dish!
Hi Lisa – yay! Thanks for trying it!
I made these today! my son loved them🤤😋. I bake them in the air fryer 200c for 20mins turning them over half way. I put the juice in a pan cooked it down and transferred the thighs into what was now an amazing sticky sauce!
Thank you Stella YOU ROCK
Khadija from Eton, England
Hello Mrs Hussain, Sounds awesome in the air fryer! Glad your son enjoyed the recipe! You rock as well! Thank you for the sweet messag!
Made this yesterday and both sons said this was the best chicken I’ve ever made. They never agree on anything. And I’ve been cooking for over 20 years. THANK YOU. Super easy too
HI Kay, omg that’s so awesome! Thank you for trying it and leaving such a kind rating!
We ABSOLUTELY LOVE this chicken!!! We grill it outside!!! Super yum!!! I love all your recipes!!! Keep them coming!! 🤗💜
Made this like 3x already and my son loves it.
This is very good! EASY. Great to use for the affordable thighs & drumsticks. High ratings— even from the 3 year old “so good kichin nana”!! I wasn’t too sure about baking it IN the marinade, but it turned out great and made a delicious “sauce”.
Will make this one again:)
Easy and delicious!
HI Vida, glad you liked the recipe!
I made this tonight. it was super good. I did boneless skinless chicken thighs. I think I will cut the time a little bit next time as it was just a tad dry and add a few more spices, other than that it was a keeper.
Hi Patty, glad you liked the marinade! Thank you for the feedback!
Delicious!! Would these freeze well to reheat as leftovers?
Hi Ann, yes you can freeze
I can’t eat garlic. Will it taste ok without it?
Hi Ros, you can leave it out
this is very similar to my recipe that I am trying to perfect.
Ingredients:
– 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 large lemon, juiced and zest
– 5 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
– 7 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp ginger, minced
– 2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Pat your chicken pieces dry.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oils, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and zest, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add in the chicken, onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a 9×13″ baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour over the marinade.
6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (75°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken and vegetables with the marinade to keep them moist.
7. If desired, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end to brown the chicken and vegetables.
8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for garnish.
A friend shared a thigh and the recipe with me. So DELICIOUS!
Hi Denise, glad the friend shared it with you!
This recipe looks delicious. Fresh or ground ginger? Thank you.
Hi Belinda, I used garlic paste but I would go with fresh ginger. If you dont have paste or fresh, then do a 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp ground ginger.
This is a great recipe my did the same recipe over 30 years ago, game changer my mom added ribs to it Fantastic recipe and great tasting chicken and ribs
OH!! Ribs with this marinade sounds idealic!!