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The BEST Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe


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4.3 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy grilled chicken marinade combines lemon, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices to create juicy, flavorful chicken with a deliciously charred exterior. Perfectly suited for outdoor grilling, this marinade enhances both chicken breasts and thighs, resulting in a tender and tasty main dish ideal for dinner or BBQ gatherings.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl until they are fully combined and well emulsified.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly on all sides to ensure even flavor penetration.
  3. Chill and Absorb: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a sealable container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it reaches a temperature suitable for grilling chicken, typically around 190-230°C (375-450°F).
  5. Prepare for Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade to prevent contamination.
  6. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, adjusting based on thickness. Turn carefully to get nice grill marks and even cooking.
  7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to guarantee safe consumption.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill due to their higher fat content.
  • Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking and to prevent drying out.
  • Do not reuse marinade that has contacted raw chicken unless it is first boiled to eliminate bacteria.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, Grilling
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired