Go Back
–+ servings
Square side shot of a platter of grilled golden chicken.
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Golden Chicken

Tender, juicy, and flavorful marinated golden chicken is an easy, healthy dinner.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword Golden Chicken, golden chicken recipe, Turmeric Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 22 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 289kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon total)
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or sub with boneless skinless chicken breasts)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for the grill or pan

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl, toss to coat in the marinade, and cover with plastic wrap. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight.
    Process shot showing how to marinate golden chicken thighs.
  • When ready to cook the chicken, remove the chicken from the marinade and allow the chicken to sit and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Discard the marinade.
    Chicken thighs in a golden marinade transferred to a baking sheet.

To Grill the Chicken (Preferred Method)

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Brush the grill with a little bit of oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill grates and grill for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
    Process shot showing how to grill golden chicken.

To Bake the Chicken

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken thighs on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or in a greased baking dish. Bake until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, about 20 minutes.

To Cook the Chicken in a Cast Iron Skillet

  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet, or enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
    Horizontal side shot of golden chicken served on a blue and white plate.

Notes

  • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. The chicken breasts will require about 5 minutes per side for small, thin chicken breasts or up to 10-12 minutes per side for larger, thick chicken breasts. Again, you're looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Add more flavor to the marinade with fresh herbs such as rosemary, chives, parsley, or thyme.
  • Make the chicken spicy by including hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes in the marinade.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg