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The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.2 from 23 reviews

This Best Chicken Marinade Recipe infuses juicy chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs with a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Perfect for grilling, it creates tender, savory chicken with a hint of sweetness and zest, ideal for summer cookouts or easy weekday meals.

  • 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 (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing 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 well to create a uniform marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pierce the chicken breasts all over using a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate. Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable Ziploc bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure the chicken is fully coated. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 4 to 5 hours is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Cook each side for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, adjusting time as needed depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  5. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
  6. Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your perfectly marinated and grilled chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for 4-5 hours enhances the flavor, but you can marinate as little as 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
  • For best results, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice for brighter flavor.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the marinated chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
  • Adjust the amount of olive oil depending on your preference for a lighter or richer marinade.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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