Delicious best chicken marinade for grilling juicy chicken

Best Chicken Marinade

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

This Best Chicken Marinade is a game changer for your meals. It brings out the flavors in chicken and makes it tender and juicy. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or frying, this marinade will enhance your dish and impress your family and friends. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this marinade is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to summer barbecues.

How to Make Best Chicken Marinade

To make the Best Chicken Marinade, you just need to follow a few simple steps. Here’s what you need:

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

How to Serve Best Chicken Marinade

This marinated chicken goes well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some rice. It also pairs nicely with a tangy barbecue sauce or a cool yogurt sauce for added flavor.

How to Store Best Chicken Marinade

If you have leftover marinade, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, once it has been used on the chicken, it should be discarded for safety reasons. If you have uncooked marinated chicken, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

Tips to Make Best Chicken Marinade

  • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
  • You can use this marinade with other meats like pork or beef.
  • If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can skip it or substitute with smoked paprika for a similar taste.

Variation

You can easily customize this marinade by adding ingredients like honey for sweetness or hot sauce for extra spice.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs. They will also absorb the marinade well and stay juicy when cooked.

2. How long can I marinate chicken?
It’s best to marinate chicken for at least 1 hour and no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushiness.

3. What can I use if I don’t have olive oil?
You can substitute olive oil with other oils like vegetable oil or canola oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well.