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The Best Ever Grilled Chicken Marinade for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Close-up of several pieces of grilled chicken, showing char marks and a glossy coating from a flavorful chicken marinade.

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Make incredibly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken every time with this simple, homemade marinade recipe. It works well for breasts, thighs, or skewers.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  2. Place your chicken pieces (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total) into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours, especially with lemon juice.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Pat the chicken slightly dry if you prefer better searing.
  6. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

  • For freezer-friendly prep, combine all dry ingredients and place them in a small bag. Mix the wet ingredients separately. When ready to use, combine all marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken.
  • This marinade works well for baking or pan-searing; adjust cooking times as needed.
  • If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking.

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