Delicious chicken marinated in a homemade marinade recipe

Best Chicken Marinade

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Making the Best Chicken Marinade is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your chicken. This marinade is simple, quick to prepare, and packed with zesty ingredients that bring life to your dish. Whether you are grilling, baking, or sautéing, having a great marinade can turn an ordinary chicken meal into something special.

How to Make Best Chicken Marinade

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. In a large glass or ceramic bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, liquid smoke, spicy brown mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the chicken in the bowl and turn it to coat with the marinade.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours. For the best flavor, do not marinate longer than 4 hours.
  5. Preheat your outdoor grill on high heat and lightly oil the grill grate.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
  7. Cook the chicken on the preheated grill for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until it is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  8. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Best Chicken Marinade

The Best Chicken Marinade pairs well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve the grilled chicken with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or rice for a complete meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon on top just before serving for a refreshing burst of flavor.

How to Store Best Chicken Marinade

If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t touched the raw chicken, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. However, it’s best to discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness. Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within three to four days.

Tips to Make Best Chicken Marinade

  • For even more flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
  • If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Always make sure to use skinless and boneless chicken breasts so they cook evenly.

Variation

You can customize this marinade by changing the mustard to Dijon for a smoother flavor or adding a bit of honey for sweetness. Feel free to experiment with different spices to suit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
Yes! This marinade works great with pork, beef, and even fish. Just adjust the marinating time according to the type of meat.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for 1 to 4 hours. Just remember, marinating for longer than 4 hours may make the chicken too salty.

3. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan or in an oven. Just use high heat to get a nice sear.