Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! There’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful piece of chicken fresh off the grill. But why settle for plain old grilled chicken when you can take your meal to the next level with a delicious marinade? In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering chicken marinade recipes that are sure to elevate your grilling game.
From classic combinations like lemon and garlic to international flavors like Korean BBQ and Jamaican jerk, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just looking for some inspiration, these marinades will provide the perfect flavor boost to take your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.
Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this bright and zesty marinade, perfect for grilling or baking. With a balanced blend of citrus, garlic, and herbs, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature (350°F/175°C).
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill or bake according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes for grilling, 35-40 minutes for baking.
Honey Soy Ginger Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts (1-2 lbs) in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish.
4. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
5. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Spicy Chipotle Lime Chicken Marinade
Add a burst of flavor to your chicken with this spicy and tangy marinade, perfect for grilling or baking. With the combination of smoky chipotle peppers and zesty lime juice, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (depending on desired level of heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle peppers.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Grill or bake chicken as desired, cooking until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (grilled) or 35-40 minutes (baked)
Greek Yogurt and Herb Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this refreshing marinade that combines the tanginess of Greek yogurt with the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the chicken to your desired level of doneness (about 5-7 minutes per side on the grill).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade that combines the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, the earthiness of rosemary, and the richness of olive oil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory teriyaki pineapple marinade! Perfect for grilling or baking, this flavorful recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
3. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference (grilling time: 6-8 minutes per side; baking time: 20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful marinade, perfect for grilled or baked chicken breasts.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Cover or seal the dish/bag, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the chicken according to your preferred method (grilling: 5-7 minutes per side; baking: 20-25 minutes at 375°F).
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes
Maple Dijon Mustard Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this sweet and tangy marinade that combines the richness of maple syrup with the zip of dijon mustard. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this marinade adds depth and complexity to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, maple syrup, dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and thyme. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
3. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method (grilling: 6-8 minutes per side; baking: 25-30 minutes; pan-frying: 3-4 minutes per side). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-45 minutes
Smoky Paprika and Lime Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with a burst of smoky flavor from this easy-to-make marinade. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this recipe combines the sweetness of lime juice with the savory heat of paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook chicken according to your preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side; baked: 20-25 minutes).
Coconut Curry Chicken Marinade
Transform your chicken into a flavorful and aromatic delight with this Coconut Curry Chicken Marinade recipe. Perfect for grilling or baking, this marinade combines the rich flavors of coconut milk, curry powder, and spices to create a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, coconut milk, olive oil, curry powder, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method (grilling or baking).
6. Cooking time: 20-25 minutes (grilling), 35-40 minutes (baking).
Serve: With your favorite sides and a sprinkle of cilantro for added flavor.
Orange Ginger Sesame Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade, combining the sweetness of oranges, spiciness of ginger, and nuttiness of sesame seeds. Perfect for grilling, baking, or stir-frying!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Add red pepper flakes if desired for an extra kick.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish; pour the marinade over them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Cook according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling: 5-7 minutes per side
– Baking: 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
BBQ Brown Sugar Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and smoky marinade, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. This flavorful blend combines the richness of brown sugar, the tanginess of vinegar, and the warmth of spices to create a mouthwatering glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Add garlic and whisk until combined.
3. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 8 hours).
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Herbed Buttermilk Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this refreshing herbed buttermilk marinade! A perfect blend of tangy buttermilk, savory herbs, and a hint of lemon, this marinade is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, buttermilk, parsley, dill, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Cook according to your preference: grilled (15-20 minutes) or baked (25-35 minutes).
Cooking Time: 15-35 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with the bold flavors of Jamaica! This marinade recipe combines the island’s signature spices, herbs, and aromatics to create a mouthwatering condiment perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, jerk seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken pieces (up to 3 pounds) in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook according to your preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side; baked: 25-35 minutes).
Cooking Time: 15-40 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Marinade
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Marinade: A flavorful and aromatic blend of Italian-inspired ingredients that will elevate your chicken dishes to the next level!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Marinade
This aromatic marinade combines the richness of peanuts with the bold flavors of Thailand to create a delicious and exotic twist on classic chicken dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and cumin.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook chicken according to desired method (grilling time: 5-6 minutes per side; baking time: 15-20 minutes).
Cooking Time: 10-25 minutes
Red Wine and Herb Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade that combines the richness of red wine with the brightness of fresh herbs. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or sautéing, this marinade is a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine red wine, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Place chicken breasts or thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the top.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
6. Preheat grill, oven, or skillet as desired. Remove chicken from marinade and cook according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Citrus Cilantro Chicken Marinade
Brighten up your chicken with a zesty and refreshing marinade that combines the citrusy goodness of orange, lime, and lemon with the herbal flavor of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange and lime juices, garlic, cilantro, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the marinade over 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or cook according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 6-8 minutes per side
– Baked: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 18 flavorful chicken marinade recipes! From classic combinations like Lemon Garlic Herb and Honey Soy Ginger, to international-inspired flavors like Thai Peanut and Jamaican Jerk, there’s something for every taste bud. Try a sweet and tangy Teriyaki Pineapple, or a savory and smoky Smoky Paprika and Lime. With ingredients ranging from fresh herbs to spices and sauces, these marinades are sure to add excitement to your grilling routine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a casual cook, there’s a recipe here for everyone.