This Perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade is your ticket to juicy and flavorful chicken every time. With ingredients like olive oil, garlic, honey, and herbs, it’s simple but oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling as they cook evenly. But you can also use thighs for juicier meat or other proteins like tofu or fish if you’re looking for alternatives.
Olive Oil: Provides flavor and helps with marinade absorption. If you’re out, vegetable or canola oil works too. Just pick an oil you enjoy the taste of.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami and saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari (for gluten-free) can be good substitutes.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup or agave honey can be used for a vegan option, but keep in mind they have a different sweetness level, so adjust to taste.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a sharp flavor. If you prefer milder flavors, yellow mustard is an option, or skip it altogether for a simpler marinade.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can work, just use about 1 teaspoon.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep chicken juicy and full of flavor, marinating is essential. Choose a vessel like a zip-top bag or dish where the chicken is snug. Ensure all pieces are generously coated with the marinade.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight does wonders!
- Don’t fiddle with the chicken too much on the grill; let it cook undisturbed for nice grill marks.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; 165°F is the magic number!
- Let it rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist.
How to Make Perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for marinating the chicken. Finally, grilling takes around 15-20 minutes. So, plan for at least an hour and a half total, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and combined. This marinade is bursting with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour that tasty marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly, or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait until the next day, that’s even better!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade; remember to discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C), and you’ll know they’re done when they have those beautiful grill marks.
4. Let It Rest and Serve:
After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it stay juicy. Once rested, slice it up, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly grilled chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Just remember that bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time—around 10-12 minutes per side. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Marinade?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the amount to taste, as these can be sweeter than honey.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours! For the best flavor, aim for at least 4-6 hours. If marinating for more than a few hours, just make sure it’s in the refrigerator to keep the chicken safe!
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze marinated chicken! Simply place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling for best results.
