Hey y’all! Get ready to take your chicken dishes to a whole new level with this mouthwatering chicken Marinade Recipe. Bursting with zesty, savory flavors, this recipe guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time—whether you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ, quick family dinner, or meal prepping for the week. The secret’s all in the simple, flavorful mix of pantry staples that work magic on chicken. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Enhances juiciness and tenderness for chicken that’s never dry or bland.
- Versatile enough for grilling, baking, or pan-searing your chicken.
- Made with easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients—no fancy stuff needed.
- Ready in just minutes and perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and aromatics!
Chicken Marinade Recipe Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
How to Make Chicken Marinade Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt until fully combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for the deepest flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any remaining marinade). Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes: Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marinade Recipe
- For extra juicy chicken, marinate overnight, but don’t exceed 12 hours—you don’t want mushy chicken!
- Always discard used marinade or boil it for at least 5 minutes if you want to use it as a sauce. Learn more about marinating safety here.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before marinating for best absorption. Here are some more thawing tips.
Chicken Marinade Recipe Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Swap lemon juice for rice vinegar, add 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and a dab of sesame oil.
- Herby Lemon: Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and thyme with extra zest for brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a bold, fiery marinade.
Required Equipment for Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish
- Grill, oven, or skillet
- Meat thermometer
Chicken Marinade Recipe Storage Instructions
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Never reuse leftover marinade unless boiled for safety (food safety info).
Chicken Marinade Recipe Pairings & Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy rice or quinoa and roasted vegetables.
- Slice for vibrant salads, wraps, or pitas.
- Pair with fresh, zesty slaws or grilled corn for a summer feast.
Chicken Marinade Recipe Pro Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before marinating for maximum flavor absorption (more marinating tips).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep juices locked in and the meat ultra-tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—juicy, never overcooked chicken every time!
Chicken Marinade Recipe FAQ
- Can I use this marinade for other meats?
- Absolutely! It works great on pork, shrimp, or even tofu—just adjust marinating time as needed.
- How long should I marinate chicken?
- Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor, but 2-6 hours yields the best results. Don’t go over 12 hours.
- Can I grill the chicken straight from the fridge?
- Let marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat and juiciness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinate Time: 30 min – 12 hours | Cook Time: 14-25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes – 12.5 hours
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
1In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
-
2Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
-
3Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 4 hours for best results.
-
4Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade.
-
5Grill or bake the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
-
6Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
280 caloriescal
Protein:
35gg
Fat:
11gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
10gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
