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Grilled Chicken Marinade

Grilled Chicken Marinade

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🔥 The only grilled chicken marinade you’ll ever need — savory, tangy, and perfectly balanced with pantry staples.
🍗 Turns ordinary chicken into juicy, caramelized perfection whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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

Instructions

1-Pound the chicken: Place chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to an even 1/2‑inch thickness.

2-Make the marinade: In a large resealable bag, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and all dried spices.

3-Coat the chicken: Add the pounded chicken to the bag, seal tightly, and massage until the marinade evenly coats the chicken.

4-Marinate: Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours (do not exceed 12 hours).

5-Preheat the grill: Heat grill to 400°F, clean the grates thoroughly, and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

6-Prepare chicken for grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, and pat dry with paper towels.

7-Grill the chicken: Cook over medium‑high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F for breasts or 170‑175°F for thighs.

8-Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then serve.

Last Step:

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Notes

💡 Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking and the best texture.
🧊 Do not marinate longer than 12 hours, as the acid can make the chicken mushy.
🔥 Boil leftover marinade for at least 1 full minute before using it as a sauce.

  • Author: Ruby Bennett
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg