If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that you can customize to fit your own flavor preferences, this one is perfect! I love adding a touch of fresh orange zest, which gives it a subtle yet bright flavor that really makes the dish shine. For even better results, try marinating the thighs a couple of hours in advance.
As a busy mom, I liked to pop them into the marinade right after school pickup, and by the time I was ready to cook, dinner practically made itself. It’s simple, flexible, and full of fresh flavor—just the kind of recipe that works for any weeknight. Give it a try and let me know what twist you add to make it your own!
This chicken is so delicious and so easy! If you like fast and easy try this Chicken Burrito Skillet.
Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- garlic
- ginger
- green onion
- red pepper flakes
- orange zest
- soy sauce
- rice wine vinegar
- water
- white wine or sherry (can use cooking wine)
- sesame oil
- salt/pepper
- granulated garlic
- olive oil
See exact quantities in recipe card below
Instructions
To begin, prepare the marinade by adding the chicken thighs, salt and pepper, granulated garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, water, white wine, and sesame oil to a bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. I like to use a cast iron skillet, but any skillet will work. Next, sauté the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until they turn golden and fragrant. At this point, mix in most of the orange zest, reserving about a teaspoon to add later with the chicken. Then place the marinated chicken into the hot skillet along with the remaining zest. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes per side, or until it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Finally, remove the chicken from the pan and garnish with sliced green onion and an extra sprinkle of orange zest for a bright, fresh presentation. Watch the video below to see the recipe in action!
Equipment
I firmly believe a well stocked kitchen allows me to enjoy cooking so much more! After all, I want meal time to be focused on those at the table after I am finished cooking. So getting myself to that table quicker is what is important! Here is a LINK to a few of my favorite kitchen tools! Including that cast iron skillet!
Storage
These thighs are GREAT for meal prepping! Add rice and a green veggie or add the thighs to a salad. I promise you will thank yourself later for getting this out of the way!
Pairing
This goes great with plain rice. However, if you find yourself tired of plain rice try one of these sides instead!
Top Tip
When adding the garlic and ginger, watch it closely. This can easily burn. When it just turns golden and is aromatic it is ready for the next step
Quick Weeknight Meals to try
Marinated Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger chopped
- 1 green onion sliced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons orange zest
- 2 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 2 Tablespoons white wine or sherry and cooking style is ok as well
- ½ Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon Pepper coarse
- ½ Tablespoon Salt
- ½ Tablespoon granulated garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil for coating pan
Instructions
Marinade
- In bowl add the thighs, salt and pepper, granulated garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, water, white wine, and sesame oil. Stir until well coated and store in fridge for 2 hours.
Time to Cook
- Get a skillet (I prefer a cast iron but any will do) hot over medium high heat and add oil. Add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cooking while constantly stirring until golden. Add 1 Tablespoon orange zest, reserving a teaspoon for the chicken. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and add 1 Tablespoon orange zest. Pour in about half of the marinade and discard rest. Cook about 6 minutes per side until no longer pink and temperature is 165℉. Remove from pan and top with green onion and extra orange zest for presentation if desired.
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