Best Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe

A simple 9-ingredient marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into juicy, flavorful grilled perfection. Takes just 10 minutes to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

½ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium works well
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice avoid bottled if possible
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
3 cloves garlic minced (fresh garlic preferred)
1 tsp smoked paprika regular paprika can substitute
1 tsp dried oregano Mediterranean oregano preferred
1 tsp black pepper freshly ground is best
½ tsp salt adjust based on soy sauce saltiness
2 lbs chicken pieces thighs, breasts, or drumsticks

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil and soy sauce until well combined. Add lemon juice and honey, whisking until honey dissolves completely.
Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal bag or cover dish tightly.
Let Time Work: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours. For best results, marinate 4-6 hours.
Prepare to Grill: Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Clean and lightly oil grates.
Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on grill, skin-side down first. Cook 6-8 minutes without moving. Flip and cook another 6-8 minutes for boneless pieces, or 12-15 minutes for bone-in pieces.
Check Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't marinate longer than 24 hours as acids can make chicken mushy
Reserve some fresh marinade before adding raw chicken for basting
Bone-in, skin-on pieces stay juicier than boneless breasts
Marinade keeps in refrigerator up to 1 week
Can freeze marinated chicken up to 3 months

Keyword grilled chicken marinade