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Ultimate Chicken Marinade Recipe Easy Perfect Juicy Tender Results

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This ultimate chicken marinade recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet notes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Whisk until smooth and emulsified, about 30 seconds.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Use about 2 pounds of chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks). Pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours. If pressed for time, 30 minutes still adds noticeable flavor.
  4. Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or pan-sear on medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.
  5. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Do not over-marinate to avoid mushy texture; ideally marinate 4-6 hours but 30 minutes is sufficient for flavor. Pat chicken dry before cooking for better sear. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If grilling, baste occasionally with boiled leftover marinade. Adjust soy sauce for sodium sensitivity. Substitute tamari for gluten-free and maple syrup for vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken marinade, juicy chicken, tender chicken, easy chicken recipe, grilled chicken, baked chicken, pan-seared chicken, backyard BBQ, flavorful chicken

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/ultimate-chicken-marinade-recipe-easy-perfect-juicy-tender-results/