BEST EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade

BEST EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece, offering a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to elevate your grilling game for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs. This versatile marinade is your secret weapon for incredibly juicy and tender chicken every single time.

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Prep Time 5

Marinating Time 30

Course: Marinade

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste, especially if using soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Optional: for a touch of sweetness

Equipment

Medium-sized bowl
Large resealable bag

Method

Gather all the ingredients listed above. Ensure your garlic is minced and your lemon is juiced. For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
In a medium-sized bowl or a large resealable bag, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and soy sauce (or tamari). Whisk gently to incorporate.
1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Stir in the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. If you desire a hint of sweetness, now is the time to add the honey or maple syrup.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Whisk or stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the marinade is uniform. Ensure there are no pockets of individual ingredients.
Place your chicken pieces (such as breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) into the bowl with the marinade or into the resealable bag. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. If using a bowl, you can gently toss the chicken to distribute the marinade. If using a bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible, and then massage the marinade around the chicken.
For optimal flavor penetration and tenderness, refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate chicken breasts for up to 4 hours, and chicken thighs or drumsticks for up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating for too long, especially with delicate cuts, as the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the chicken, affecting its texture.
When ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard any unused marinade. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact grilling time will depend on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Notes

This marinade guarantees juicy perfection every single time, making it a go-to for BBQs, picnics, or simply a delicious weeknight dinner.