Have you ever wondered what makes grilled chicken so irresistible? The secret lies in a fantastic chicken marinade recipe that transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary dish. With rich flavors and a tender texture, marinating your chicken brings out the best in every bite.

this recipe

Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken infused with vibrant herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a meal bursting with flavor; this chicken marinade will elevate your cooking experience!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marinade recipe

Enhanced Flavor: One of the best parts of using a marinade is how it enhances the overall taste of the chicken. The combination of spices, herbs, and acidic components penetrates the meat, creating layers of deliciousness that you won’t find in plain grilled or baked options.

Tender Texture: A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. The acidity from ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar breaks down proteins in the chicken, resulting in juicy and soft bites that are sure to please your palate.

Quick Preparation: This chicken marinade recipe requires minimal effort for maximum reward. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful concoction in no time. Whether you marinate overnight or just for a couple of hours, your dish will shine.

Versatile Use: This versatile marinade works great with various cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or pan-searing. You can easily adapt it to suit your cooking style while ensuring that each preparation remains equally delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts depending on your serving needs; they absorb flavors wonderfully and cook evenly.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves to add depth; crushed garlic releases essential oils that enhance flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity that tenderizes the meat while adding brightness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while adding umami notes to your dish.
• Dried Herbs (Thyme or Oregano): These herbs infuse aromatic flavors into the mix; feel free to mix and match based on preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Marinade recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all required ingredients on a clean workspace. Measure out portions accurately to ensure consistency in flavor across servings.

Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Whisk until all components blend smoothly together.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over them ensuring every piece is coated well.

Refrigerate: Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for at least one hour but preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Cook Your Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven according to method preferences (grilling at medium-high heat or baking at 400°F/200°C). Remove excess marinade before cooking and grill or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer cooked chicken to plates and garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an appealing presentation before serving warm alongside your favorite sides.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Don’t Skip Marinating Time: For optimal flavor infusion and tenderness, allow ample time for marination—aim for at least one hour but ideally overnight if possible.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs dramatically enhance flavor profiles compared to dried alternatives; always opt for fresh when available.

Control Your Saltiness: If you’re concerned about sodium levels from soy sauce, look for low-sodium versions which maintain taste without excessive saltiness.

Your Cooking Method Matters: Different methods yield varying results; grilling imparts smoky flavors while baking retains moisture—choose based on desired outcomes!

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Vegetables
  A colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus complements your marinated chicken. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill alongside the chicken for a balanced, flavorful dish.

• Cauliflower Rice
  For a low-carb option, serve your marinated chicken on a bed of cauliflower rice. Sauté the rice with garlic and onions for extra flavor, making it a light, tasty base for the juicy chicken.

• Quinoa Salad
  A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette is a tangy side that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. The nutty flavor of quinoa balances out the savory meat for a satisfying meal.

• Pasta Primavera
  Serve your marinated chicken over pasta primavera made with whole grain or gluten-free pasta and fresh seasonal veggies like broccoli and carrots. Drizzle with olive oil and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously hearty pairing.

FAQs

What is the best way to marinate chicken?

To achieve maximum flavor from your Chicken Marinade recipe, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For optimal results, aim for 4 hours or overnight if time permits. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring every bite is deliciously seasoned.

Can I use this marinade on other proteins?

Absolutely! This Chicken Marinade recipe works beautifully on various proteins such as pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein you choose—pork can take about 2-4 hours while tofu may only need 30 minutes to soak up those wonderful flavors.

How long can I store leftover marinade?

If you have leftover marinade after using this Chicken Marinade recipe, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it’s essential not to reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes! This Chicken Marinade recipe is perfect for freezing. Marinate your chicken as directed and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or baking for best results.

Print

Chicken Marinade recipe

---

• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Pin Recipe

Description

Elevate your chicken dishes with this easy and flavorful chicken marinade recipe. Infusing your poultry with rich herbs, spices, and acidity transforms ordinary chicken into a succulent centerpiece for any meal. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade not only enhances flavor but also ensures a tender texture. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a deliciously vibrant dish that will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners, this chicken marinade is versatile and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy juicy chicken bursting with flavor in no time!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme or oregano

---

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on a clean workspace.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs until well blended.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish; pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is coated.
4. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least one hour (or overnight for best results).
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C). Remove excess marinade before cooking.
6. Grill or bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), then serve warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (120g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added depth of flavor, consider including spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade. - This marinade works beautifully with other proteins such as pork or tofu—just adjust marinating times accordingly.