The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
This is a flavorful and versatile chicken marinade recipe perfect for grilling tender and juicy chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs. The marinade combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to infuse the chicken with a zesty and slightly sweet taste. Ideal for quick 30-minute marinating or up to 4-5 hours for deeper flavor, this recipe results in perfectly grilled chicken with a deliciously balanced taste and juicy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breasts, Tenders, or Thighs
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (depending on preference)
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pierce the chicken breasts all over with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate better. Place the chicken pieces into a large Ziploc bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 4 to 5 hours is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the grill grates with oil using a brush or paper towel to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once midway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the grilled chicken for a fresh and vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- What type of chicken should I use? Use whatever types of chicken you prefer — chicken breasts, thinly sliced chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or chicken thighs.
- Marinating Time: For best flavor, marinate the chicken for 4 to 5 hours, but a minimum of 30 minutes will still yield tasty results.
- Cooking Tip: Always brush the grill with oil prior to grilling to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Food Safety: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish adds a fresh pop of color and flavor; parsley is a simple yet effective choice.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/the-best-chicken-marinade-recipe/
