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The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This quick and flavorful chicken marinade recipe is perfect for grilling juicy, tender chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs. Combining tangy lemon juice, savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic, this marinade infuses the chicken with a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue, the chicken is grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs. Chicken Breasts (Tenders, or Thighs)

Marinade

  • 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

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly stir together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper until well combined to create a balanced marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Use a fork to pierce the chicken breasts or pieces all over to help the marinade penetrate. Place the chicken into a large Ziploc bag, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag securely.
  3. Let it marinate: Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, though ideally marinate for 4 to 5 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  4. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat and brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  5. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side, adjusting time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is a suitable minimum if short on time.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders for breasts depending on preference and desired flavor.
  • Ensure the grill is well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately and avoid undercooking.
  • Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/the-best-chicken-marinade-recipe/