How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For the best results, marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, but up to 12 hours will give it the most flavor. Be careful not to exceed 12 hours, as the acid in the marinade could start to break down the meat too much, making it tough.

Can I use this marinade on other types of meat besides chicken?

Yes! This grilled chicken marinade works well with other types of meat such as turkey, pork, or even beef. Just be sure to adjust the marinating time based on the type and thickness of the meat.

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the uncooked chicken and the marinade together in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the marinade?

Yes, if you're looking for alternatives, you can swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it gluten-free. Additionally, honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Grilled Chicken Marinade: Best Recipe for Juicy Chicken

Name: Grilled Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Description

This grilled chicken marinade is a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that infuse the chicken with incredible taste. It’s ideal for grilling, baking, or cooking on the stovetop, and is perfect for both quick meals and meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Whisk the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and all the seasonings together in a large plastic bag or bowl.
Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4-12 hours.
Preheat the grill to 400°F and grease the grates with oil.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For even cooking, ensure the chicken is of uniform thickness by pounding the thickest part.
Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours for the best flavor, but no longer than 12 hours.
Don’t reuse the marinade unless it’s boiled first to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken.
If you’re short on time, you can marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge is ideal.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken breast
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg