Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Marinade is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and takes just a few minutes to prepare. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs provides a bright, fresh flavor while helping to tenderize the chicken, ensuring a juicy and flavorful grilled result. It’s the perfect marinade for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it works well with other proteins, like turkey or, making it a staple in your grilling repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano, finely chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, finely chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine the Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (or maple syrup), oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.

  • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For best results, marinate for 4-6 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will impart great flavor.

3. Grill the Chicken:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.

  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts or 180°F (82°C) for thighs.

  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

4. Serve:

  • Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings (adjust depending on how much chicken you have)

  • Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)

  • Cook time: 12-16 minutes (depending on the thickness of the chicken)

  • Total time: 22-30 minutes (plus marination time)

Variations

  • Add Citrus: For a citrusy twist, add orange or lime juice along with the lemon juice in the marinade.

  • Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, basil, or cilantro for a fresh, personalized flavor.

  • Spicy Marinade: If you prefer a spicier marinade, add more red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Sweet and Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to give the marinade a smoky depth.

  • No Mustard: If you prefer a cleaner flavor, omit the Dijon mustard and increase the honey or lemon for more sweetness or acidity.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling for up to 3 months. Make sure to freeze the chicken in a single layer to avoid clumping.

  • Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat on the grill for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight will give it the most flavor. Just make sure not to marinate it for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade (especially the lemon juice) could start to break down the meat too much.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Yes! This marinade works wonderfully for other proteins like turkey,  and even shrimp. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein (shrimp only needs about 30 minutes,  and turkey can marinate for 1-2 hours).

Can I use this marinade for grilling vegetables?

Absolutely! You can use this marinade to season vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant. Marinate the vegetables for about 20-30 minutes before grilling.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches the proper internal temperature. You can also broil it for the last 5 minutes to get a crispy, charred exterior.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using, as the oil may separate.

Can I make this marinade gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients in this marinade are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you need to avoid gluten.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. The combination of citrus, garlic, and herbs creates a perfectly balanced marinade that’s ideal for chicken. Whether you’re grilling chicken for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or meal prep, this marinade is sure to elevate your dish. Try it out, and get ready for tender, flavorful grilled chicken everyone will love!

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Grilled Chicken Marinade

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
  • Total Time: 22-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This Grilled Chicken Marinade is packed with bold flavors like garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, creating a tender, juicy chicken perfect for grilling. Easy to prepare and customizable with various spices and herbs, this marinade will elevate your grilled chicken to the next level. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano, finely chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, finely chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  • Combine the Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (or maple syrup), oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

  • Marinate the Chicken:

    • Place your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

    • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.

    • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For best results, marinate for 4-6 hours. If short on time, even 30 minutes will give great flavor.

  • Grill the Chicken:

    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).

    • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.

    • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts or 180°F (82°C) for thighs.

    • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

  • Serve:

    • Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Notes

Add Citrus: For a citrusy twist, you can add orange or lime juice along with the lemon juice in the marinade.Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary, basil, or cilantro for a fresh, personalized flavor.Spicy Marinade: For more heat, add more red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.Sweet and Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to give the marinade a smoky depth.No Mustard: Omit the Dijon mustard and increase the honey or lemon for more sweetness or acidity.

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