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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.