Best Chicken Marinade for Grilling
This chicken marinade is a game-changer. It’s simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and works wonders in just a few hours. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, this marinade ensures your chicken is bursting with flavor every single time.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Ziplock Bag or Airtight Container
- Tongs
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting Brush (Optional)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and all the spices until well combined. The honey might take a few seconds to blend in, so keep whisking!
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a ziplock bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, then gently massage the chicken to make sure it’s fully coated.
- Pro Tip: For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. If you have extra time, overnight marinating takes it to the next level!
Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F/190–200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Pro Tip: If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they turn white and ashy before cooking. This gives a more even heat!
Grill the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place it on the hot grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken.
- Pro Tip: Don’t press down on the chicken while grilling—it forces out the juices and makes it dry.
Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part, it's done! If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—the juices should run clear.
Rest Before Serving
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides—grilled veggies, rice, salad, or even in a sandwich. Enjoy your perfectly marinated, juicy grilled chicken!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~300–350 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fats: ~15g
- Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on soy sauce)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.