Look no further for the Best Chicken Marinade recipe ever! This marinade produces so much flavor and keeps the chicken incredibly moist and outrageously delicious – try it today! This easy chicken marinade recipe is going to quickly become your favorite go-to marinade! Make sure to try my steak marinade the next time you’re grilling and serve with a side of Strawberry Spinach Salad or some Zucchini Fries!
The Perfect Chicken Marinade
For many years now I have been perfecting my chicken marinade recipe and it’s finally exactly what I want. I love this easy chicken marinade recipe because it quickly transforms an ordinary chicken breast (or any other cut of chicken) into something extraordinarily delicious – just in time for dinner.
It really is the BEST chicken marinade I’ve ever had.
Easy Chicken Breast Marinade
I keep chicken breasts on hand at all times because there is just SOO much you can do with a chicken breast…(Make sure to check out my book for ONE HUNDRED chicken recipes!)
Chicken breasts frequently go on sale, and when you’re trying to eat sensibly for dinner so you can enjoy that Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar for dessert, chicken breasts are a good way to go.
Let me be clear, this is not to say that this marinade won’t work on other cuts of chicken. It most certainly does and is insanely delicious so use what you have on hand.
Perfect for Grilling
This is really my very favorite grilled chicken marinade. I love to make up a big batch of grilled chicken and this recipe is great for that. It makes enough marinade for about 6 large chicken breasts or 3 to 4 pounds of chicken pieces.
After enjoying this chicken with a for dinner, I like to add it to my favorite salads for lunch the next few days. The chicken just gets better and better!
How Easy Is It?
This grilled chicken marinade couldn’t be simpler. Just whisk together a bunch of ingredients together in a large bowl (I used my large Pyrex measuring cup for easy pouring) and pour over the chicken in a large ziploc bag.
Takes maybe 5 minutes to whip up.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
Now, in the recipe I say a minimum of 4 hours for marinating….I’m being overly optimistic there. I’ve marinated the chicken for as little as 30 minutes and the chicken was still phenomenal.
Basically, the longer you have to marinate the better but don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time.
Grilling or Baking
When you’re ready to go, grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through. I like to baste the chicken with the leftover marinade for optimal flavor. You can also bring the remaining marinade to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let cook until reduced for a tasty sauce to pour over the chicken. Soo good!
Lots of readers have asked about baking the chicken and that’s a great option too – especially during the winter.
To bake, preheat the oven to 400F, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes (or 450F for 15 to 18 minutes if you’re in a hurry). Baste as often as you can for best flavor.
I sure do hope you give this chicken marinade recipe a try soon so you can enjoy it all summer long!
Side Dishes We Love
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
How to Make the Best Chicken Marinade
The BEST Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar or other vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 6 chicken breasts or 3.5 lb chicken
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except for chicken, in a large Pyrex measuring cup or mixing bowl and whisk together.
- Remove a half a cup of marinade and reserve for basting the chicken later.
- Place chicken in a large, ziploc bag and pour marinade over the top. Close securely.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
To grill
- Preheat grill to medium high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Grill chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade.
- Remove chicken from grill and tent with foil. Let chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving
Optional.
- If you bring the reserved marinade up to a boil, let simmer until slightly reduced, it makes a wonderful sauce to go on top of the chicken.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Winner, winner chicken dinner!
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For all dinner recipes, go HERE.
For all chicken recipes, go HERE.
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Annmarie says
I made this last night and got rave reviews from everyone, which was quite impressive since both my sons grill a lot! The only change I made was cutting the rosemary in half since I’m not a fan of it; however, I think the next time I may try it with the full amount since I think it went well with the other ingredients.
I usually try several recipes until my husband and I find the one we like the best; quite often, it’s one of your recipes we stick with. So I have you to thank for my husband telling people I’m a good cook! 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That means so much to me! I’m so glad you found me 😊
Jason Smith says
A professional chef for 27 years. This is my base for a lot of creative outlets for chicken. Bless you, thank you, and with many hugs
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Wow! High praise indeed. Thank you!
Heza says
Hello fr Malaysia! Your recipe is wonderful. Had tried it out and like u said, the chicken turned out phenomenal! Tqvm trish…
Robin says
Wonderful! Accidentally had thawed b/s chicken thighs instead of breasts and it was still fantastic. Only marinated for 40 mins, but honestly, I don’t think the chicken needs to marinate at all, just baste with sauce as it grills. Next time I’ll reserve at least 1 cup of sauce to use as baste and boil into sauce to serve over chicken and starch of choice being served with chicken.
Linda G says
This truly is The Best Chicken Marinade EVER! It has become my family’s most requested recipe!!!
Thank you ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Wow! Thank you so much Linda! Have a great week!
Shirley says
Looks amazing! I dont have Worcestershire sauce, is it okay without? Can I substitute it with something else?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You can leave it out if you like!
luda says
Not sure if oven would be better but I personally do pan on the stove, works fine
Jane says
Was amazing. I also added a little honey. I didn’t let it sit for the 4 hours just a half hour and it was flavorful so next time will do ahead of time to soak up the marinade
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Jane!
Jessica says
My boyfriend went for more… that’s how I know something is good! I reduced the marinade and added dried minced onions and mushrooms to cook with it. It was delicious! I should have pounded my chicken a little bit- I’m new to the grill and it was burning before the chicken was cooked (even on low). I sliced it up and finished cooking in the air fryer! It was juicy and had so much flavor. Definitely a keeper!!! Thank you.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Fantastic! Thanks Jessica!
Kathleen says
I love this recipe, thank you. Its my go to for a simple dinner. Its great on any cut of chicken.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Kathleen!
Joan says
5 *****
Omg! Used 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Marinaded for about 2 hours at room temperature. Cooked for approximately 6 min per side at Med high. They were to die for. Everyone in my incredibly picky, pain in the butt family members raved. Ty so much
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! Yaaaaay! Thanks Joan – so glad your family enjoyed the recipe!