This grilled chicken marinade is a game changer! It combines zesty lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a flavor boost that makes your chicken juicy and tasty.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, let the chicken soak, and get ready for a delicious meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or a tasty weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you want a different flavor, you can try avocado oil or even sesame oil for a nutty touch.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives a savory kick. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative. Coconut aminos is another option for a milder flavor.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness and helps with browning on the grill. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes if you’re looking for something vegan.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for a flavorful marinade. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really packs a punch. I love using roasted garlic for deeper flavor!
Mustard: Dijon adds a nice tang. If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard can work well.
Vinegar: Both apple cider and balsamic work wonderfully. I lean towards balsamic for a sweeter note, but use whatever you have on hand!
Spices: Dried oregano and smoked paprika give depth to the marinade. Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary if you like.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy grilled chicken comes from marinating it properly. Aim for at least an hour, but overnight is even better! The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until combined.
- Put chicken in a bag or dish, coat well with the marinade, and seal it tightly.
- Keep it in the fridge, giving it time to soak up those flavors!
- When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated. This helps sear the chicken and lock in juices.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator. If you can let it marinate overnight, that would be even better for flavor! Cooking on the grill takes about 15 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes of active time with some waiting involved.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, grab a whisk and combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, vinegar, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well-mixed. You’ll love the yummy aroma!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is covered well. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait, overnight is best for maximum flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill and heat it to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t forget to discard any leftover marinade), and place it on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and there’s no pink left in the middle.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken and serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken!
Can I Use Other Types of Vinegar in This Marinade?
Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, feel free to substitute with red wine vinegar or even white vinegar. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all work wonderfully in marinades!
Can I Marinade the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that marinating for too long can change the texture of the chicken due to the acid in the marinade. A max of 24 hours is ideal for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t come into contact with raw chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to bring it to a boil for a few minutes before using it as a sauce to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
Can I Grill the Chicken on a Stovetop Grill Pan?
Definitely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times. Just be mindful to grease the pan slightly to prevent sticking!
