The best grilled chicken marinade full of tips and tricks for crazy juicy, flavor exploding, versatile chicken every time! Readers call it “five stars,” “INCREDIBLE,” “SOOOOO good, “OBSESSED,” and “new favorite marinade for chicken!” The marinated chicken can be grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop (methods included) for savory, tangy, subtly sweet, layered flavor in every succulent bite.
Watch how to make Grilled Chicken
GRILLED CHICKEN MARINADE
This grilled chicken marinade will make dry, bland and boring chicken a memory of the past and is destined to become your favorite go-to marinade – just read the reviews!
We adore marinated chicken year-round because the marinade does all the work to create tender, juicy chicken, dripping with flavor from the inside out. All you have to do is whisk a few ingredients together, marinate and grill – my kind of easy dinner. Once you try it once, you’ll be hooked!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHICKEN MARINADE
- DYNAMIC FLAVOR. This best chicken marinade is slightly savory from the soy sauce, slightly tangy from the lemon juice and Dijon, slightly fruity from the balsamic, slightly sweet from the brown sugar, slightly spicy (just a mild kick) from the red pepper and punched up with flavor from the rainbow of seasonings.
- PANTRY FRIENDLY. This recipe uses pantry friendly ingredients so you can enjoy a delicious, succulent chicken dinner with hardly any effort any night of the week.
- SERVE IT ANY WAY YOU LIKE! This grilled chicken marinade is flavorful enough to serve plain and adaptable enough to serve in salads, pasta, bowls, tacos and more (see tons of ideas below)!
- MEAL PREP. I love making a big batch of this recipe to serve in countless ways throughout the week. You can double or triple this easy recipe for entertaining, for purposeful leftovers or to freeze.
- MAKES ENTERTAINING EASY! Just slap your chicken on the grill when guests arrive and in minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy, intoxicatingly delicious chicken.
HOW DOES THIS GRILLED CHICKEN MARINADE WORK?
This grilled chicken marinade tenderizes and flavors the chicken so all you have to do is marinate and cook! In order for a marinade to be effective, it must contain acid, fat, salt, sweetener and flavor enhancers. The combination of these elements ensures that the protein is juicy, succulent and flavorful from the inside out. Here’s how it works:
- FAT: the olive oil dissolves fat-soluble flavor compounds from the seasonings and other flavorings and injects them into the chicken. Fat also adds moisture and helps produce tender, juicy chicken.
- ACID: balsamic vinegar and lemon juice help tenderize the chicken by breaking down lean muscle fibers. They also boast layers of rich and tangy flavor.
- SALT: the soy sauce creates a brine, which increases the moisture capacity of the chicken, helping it become juicer and more flavorful. First, the salt hydrates the muscle tissues via osmosis; second, it changes the cells’ structure so that they can no longer contract when cooking. This means less water will be squeezed out and lost, resulting in juicier protein. Finally, the brine draws the aromatic flavor further down below the surface into the protein and enhances all of the flavors. You can pile on herbs and seasonings but if a marinade is missing salt – it will taste bland.
- SWEETENER: brown sugar balances both the salt and the acid. It also promotes caramelization, quicker browning and beautiful grill marks.
- FLAVOR ENHANCERS: ingredients can vary, but this grilled chicken marinade includes Dijon, onion powder, garlic powder, dried herbs, red pepper and black pepper. These seasonings add the oomph and make it the “best” grilled chicken marinade!
GRILLED CHICKEN MARINADE INGREDIENTS
This easy grilled chicken marinade is made with a balance of savory, tangy ingredients and a unique spice blend for an oomph of effortless complex flavor. You will need: (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Chicken: boneless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness or chicken thighs.
- Olive oil: use quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Soy sauce: grounds the marinade – it will not give the chicken an Asian vibe. Use reduced sodium soy sauce so we can control the salt.
- Balsamic vinegar: adds a subtle, complex fruity, sweet tanginess. Use Balsamic Vinegar of Modena I.G.P. for the best flavor like this one. Grape must should always be the first ingredient followed only by vinegar.
- Lemon juice: brightens the flavor profile. Freshly squeezed is best but you can get away with bottled because it’s just a splash.
- Brown sugar: balances the soy, balsamic and lemon juice and helps caramelize the chicken as it cooks. Use light brown sugar for rich sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: adds a depth of tanginess. I promise it won’t make your grilled chicken taste like mustard!
- Seasonings: dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes inject the grilled chicken marinade with a rainbow of flavor.
HOW TO MARINATE CHICKEN
This grilled chicken marinade is easy to whip up! Here’s how (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Place chicken breasts in-between two pieces of plastic wrap or I like to place my chicken in a large freezer size bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet, rolling pin or side of a can.
- Make marinade. Whisk the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and seasonings together in a large plastic bag. Add chicken, push out excess air and turn to coat.
- Marinate chicken. Marinate chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes if you’re short on time or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
HOW LONG TO MARINATE CHICKEN?
This grilled chicken marinade is best if allowed to do its thing for at least four hours so the chicken can reap the benefits of the tenderizing properties, but I would aim for 12 hours for maximum benefit.
HOW TO GRILL CHICKEN
This grilled chicken recipe is so tasty and versatile, you’re going to want to serve it year-round! Here’s a few different cooking methods to meet your year-round needs:
1. When ready to grill, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let rest 15-30 minutes ahead of time. Meanwhile, preheat grill to 400 degrees, clean and grease grates.
2. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.)
TO COOK CHICKEN ON THE STOVE
1. When ready to cook, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let rest 15-30 minutes ahead of time.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once very hot, add chicken and cook, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes, or until deeply golden on one side.
3. Flip chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked to 165 degrees F.
TO BAKE CHICKEN IN THE OVEN
1. When ready to cook, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let rest 15-30 minutes ahead of time.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Drain chicken from marinade and add to prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 16-18 minutes (depending on thickness), or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD CHICKEN BE COOKED TO?
Chicken breasts and chicken tenders (light meat) are done via any cooking method when they register 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
Chicken thighs and legs (dark meat) are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F but they are juicier and more tender when cooked to 170-175 degrees. F. Chicken thighs contain more connective tissue than chicken breasts which takes longer to break down. Cooking them to a higher temperature will ensure that the dark meat becomes even more tender and juicy verses chewy and rubbery.
How to Check Grilled Chicken Temperature
I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer otherwise there is no accurate way to check when your chicken is cooked without slicing and loosing valuable juices.
Chicken breasts: insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken – although hopefully you don’t have one because your chicken has been pounded to an even thickness ;).
Chicken thighs: insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without hitting any bones. Bones are a heat conductor and will register higher than the actual meat.
BEST CHICKEN MARINADE TIPS
This easy grilled chicken is very simple to make but here are some helpful tips:
- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Pound the thickest part of the chicken so it’s even with the thinnest part to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. You don’t want one side to be cooked perfectly and the other side to be raw or overcooked/dry.
- Slice breasts in half before marinating. When you pound the chicken to an even thickness, you’re aiming for ½-inch thickness. If your chicken is super thick, then cut in half through the equator to create cutlets before marinating.
- Tenderize chicken. Pounding the chicken also tenderizes it as well. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the side of a can or rolling pin.
- Use food safe containers. I prefer food-safe sealable plastic bags such as freezer Ziploc bags. They really allow the marinade to envelop the chicken vs. a dish in which the marinade might not cover all of it. Sealable bags are also great for easy cleanup – just toss them! You may also use food grade plastic, stainless steel, or glass containers and cover with plastic wrap if they don’t have a lid.
- Squeeze out excess air. When using a plastic bag, make sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing then roll up the bag so the chicken is nice and snug.
- Flip chicken occasionally. If you marinate the chicken in a shallow dish, make sure to flip it over occasionally so it marinates evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator. Always marinate chicken for a prolonged period of time covered in the refrigerator and not at room temperature to avoid food-born illness. Only remove it from the fridge to the counter 30 minutes before you’re ready to grill to help bring it to room temperature so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t reuse marinade. Never reuse a marinade even for basting unless you boil it first to destroy any harmful bacteria. If you want to use the marinade for basting, drizzling or dipping, it is best to reserve a portion before you add the chicken.
- Reserved marinade for veggies. You can reserve a couple tablespoons of marinade (not contaminated) to drizzle on veggies before grilling or cooking like I do in my chicken fajita recipe and many kabob recipes to make them uber flavorful without any extra work!
- Marinate chicken for four hours. You can get away with marinating the grilled chicken for as little as 60 minutes if it is pounded thin, but the longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will become. I recommend at least 4 hours but closer to 12 hours is ideal.
- Don’t over-marinate chicken. On the other hand, you don’t want to marinate the chicken longer than 12 hours because the acid (balsamic vinegar and lemon juice) can actually constrict the protein fibers and make your grilled chicken tough and chewy.
- Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking. Transfer the marinating chicken to your kitchen counter 30 minutes before grilling. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly and quickly which translates into juicier chicken because there is less time for moisture to be released while cooking.
- Clean grill. You should clean your grill grates before and after grilling with a wire grill brush to remove any residue. This will help create beautiful grill marks and help prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Use a hot grill. Heat up the grill with the lid closed cranked to the maximum temperature so it can achieve temperature more quickly; plan on 10-15 minutes. Once the grill is hot, you can adjust the temperature. Don’t add the chicken until the grill reaches temperature or you won’t get those beautiful grill marks.
- Flip only once using tongs. After you add the chicken breasts to the grill, don’t touch them for a full 5 minutes. You need enough time for the chicken to sear and then they will naturally release from the grill. Once you can easily move the chicken, then you can flip it over using tongs.
- Don’t overcook! Cook chicken breasts just to 165 degrees F. Chicken breasts are a lean protein and therefore can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to eliminate all of the guess work to achieve succulent, juicy chicken every time.
- Let chicken rest. Let the cooked grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices that have pushed to the outside of the meat time to redistribute throughout the chicken. If you cut into the chicken immediately after cooking, valuable, moisture-giving juices will run out.
GRILLED CHICKEN RECIPE VARIATIONS
- Swap citrus. Swap the lemon juice for lime juice, orange juice or pineapple juice.
- Swap seasonings. Mix up the flavor profile and swap the Italian seasonings for Cajun seasonings, Fajita seasonings, or Asian inspired seasonings such as Chinese 5 Spice, ginger and garlic.
- Add herbs. Swap the dried herbs for fresh herbs. You will need 3X the amount of dried. You can also add herbs such as rosemary and chives.
- Make it spicy. Add additional red pepper flakes or swap the red pepper flakes for some cayenne or chipotle chili powder.
CAN I USE OTHER CUTS OF CHICKEN?
Absolutely! This grilled chicken marinade will work with any cut of chicken including chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, chicken drumsticks, chicken legs or chicken wings. You will just need to adjust the cooking times if you swap out the cut of chicken, so keep that meat thermometer handy!
Chicken Marinade Recipes
This particular grilled chicken marinade is the best all-purpose marinade that goes with practically everything. If you want to get a little more flavor specific, here are some superb options:
- Greek chicken marinade: bright, vibrant with a delightful lemon/oregano flavor.
- Cilantro lime chicken marinade: tangy, zesty, garlicky, citrusy spiked with cilantro, lime and fiestalicious seasonings.
- Chili lime chicken marinade: earthy and robust brightened by fresh lime juice and zest
- Chipotle chicken marinade: smoky, robust and as spicy as you want it.
- Chicken fajita marinade: the perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, earthy, and robust with a kick of heat.
- Hawaiian chicken marinade: sweet, tangy, fruity, slightly spicy laced with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger.
- Teriyaki chicken marinade: savory, salty, sweet and tangy with my secret ingredient Asian sweet chili sauce to amp up the flavor.
- Korean chicken marinade: spicy, sweet, and savory with garlic, ginger, and kicking gochujang.
- Lemon basil chicken marinade: vibrant, fresh lemony with plenty of fresh basil.
- Cajun honey mustard chicken marinade: tangy, sweet and spicy with a to-live-for creamy honey mustard sauce.
- Lemongrass chicken marinade: tangy, with sweet and sour hints of lemon and herbs infused with red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and basil.
- Buffalo chicken marinade: spicy, dynamically delicious made with buffalo hot sauce and spiked with honey and lime.
- Balsamic chicken marinade: savory, fruity, herbaceous with rich, complex sweetness.
- Honey sriracha chicken marinade: savory, sweet, tangy and as spicy as you want it.
- Pollo asado chicken marinade: bursting with Latin zippy flavors marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, cumin, oregano, paprika and most notably, achiote powder, which gives the chicken it’s signature orange and red color.
- Harissa chicken marinade: a spicy, complex, warm, nutty, savory, smoky, garlicky chicken from North Africa made from harissa (red chili paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and spices.
- Lemon garlic chicken marinade: blushing with fresh, vibrant citrus, zesty garlic, and aromatic herb goodness.
- Jamaican jerk chicken marinade: a flavor bomb exploding with complex smoky, spicy yet sweet, fragrant, aromatic notes made from potent peppers, garlic, onions, citrus and warm spices.
- Chimichurri chicken marinade: vibrant, garlicky, tangy and spicy, punctuated with parsley and cilantro.
- Chicken al pastor chicken marinade: pineapple, chilies, achiote paste, cumin, and oregano create an earthy, tangy-sweet, spicy, smoky Mexican staple that’s vibrant red-orange in color.
How to Store Grilled Chicken & Marinade for Chicken
-Storage: store cooked grilled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
-Microwave: chop up or slice the chicken so it reheats more evenly then transfer a small portion to a microwave safe dish. Heat for one minute then at 30 second intervals as needed.
-Oven: transfer chicken to an oven-proof dish. Cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or just until warmed through.
Can you freeze chicken in the marinade?
You can freeze the uncooked grilled chicken in the marinade or after it’s cooked:
Freeze chicken in marinade: add the chicken to the marinade ingredients in a freezer safe bag, squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, the chicken will marinate as you thaw the chicken in the refrigerator; cook immediately so it doesn’t marinate for too long and become mushy.
Freeze chicken: after you have cooked the chicken, let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container or plastic freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. If you want access to individual pieces of chicken without having to thaw all of the chicken, then wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap before adding to the freezer bag. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade Ahead of Time
Marinade: whisk the marinade together in an airtight container up to 5 days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator WITHOUT the chicken.
Chicken: cooked grilled chicken makes fantastic meal prep or leftovers if not initially overcooked. If you are making the chicken specifically to reheat later then consider slightly under-cooking it because it will cook a little more when reheated.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken
This marinated grilled chicken recipe is tasty on its own or it can be added to salads, wraps, sandwiches, etc. Here are just a few ideas for freshly grilled chicken or to reimagine leftovers:
- Grilled chicken salad: slice up the chicken and add it to your favorite greens and veggies with a drizzle of your favorite dressing such as balsamic or Italian. For added YUM, add a cheese (feta, mozzarella, Parmesan, gorgonzola, blue cheese, etc.), a nut (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, etc.), a seed (sunflower seeds or pepitas), and a fruit (apples, pears, mangos, oranges, craisins, etc.). You can also substitute this grilled chicken in any of your favorite salad recipes.
- Grilled chicken pasta salad: chop up the chicken and add it to cooked medium pasta dressed with Italian dressing or pesto mixed with a little olive oil and lemon juice. Add any of your favorite fixings such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, pine nuts, etc.
- Grilled chicken sandwiches: sandwich marinated grilled chicken in between bread and pile with toppings such as tomatoes, bacon, avocado, lettuce, sprouts, etc., etc. You can also use it to make any of your favorite sandwich recipes such as pesto, BLT, caprese, buffalo, sun-dried tomato, avocado, etc.
- Grilled chicken lettuce wraps: transform the chicken into chicken salad by chopping and stirring in mayo/yogurt, grapes, celery, green onions etc. and serving in a lettuce wrap.
- Grilled chicken panini: brush the outsides of the bread with olive oil, smother the insides with pesto then load with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and grilled chicken. Add any additional toppings such as avocado, bacon, sprouts, etc., etc. then pressed in a panini press. If you don’t have a panini press, you can cook it like a grilled cheese in a skillet with melted butter instead.
- Grilled chicken wraps: slather a tortilla or flatbread with yogurt, mayo or pesto then pile with lettuce/mixed greens, sliced tomato, chicken and desired toppings such as cucumbers, carrots, avocado, bacon, etc.
- Grilled chicken loaded baked potatoes: load a baked potato with chopped chicken, cheese and your favorite toppings such as steamed broccoli or peas.
- Grilled chicken pasta: thinly slice chicken and add to your favorite meatless pastas such as Cacio e Pepe, healthy Alfredo, margherita pasta, roasted red pepper pasta, mushroom spaghetti or mushroom orzo.
WHAT GOES WITH MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN?
This marinated grilled chicken pairs well with pretty much everything from salad to pasta salad, potatoes, rice and fruit. In the summer months, we keep it as simple as grilled chicken with grilled corn, watermelon and green salad. In the winter, I love it with garlic butter mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. Here are a few of our favorite accompanying sides:
- Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, Pesto Mashed Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes or Hashbrown Casserole.
- Salad. Wedge Salad, Strawberry Broccoli Salad, Strawberry Salad, Spinach Berry Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad and Green Bean Salad.
- Fruit. Grilled Pineapple, Creamy Grape Salad, Summer Fruit Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad, Tropical Fruit Salad or Berry Salad in Honey Mascarpone.
- Bread. Corn Bread, Garlic Bread, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls or Hawaiian Rolls.
- Veggies: Roasted Carrots, Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Butternut Squash or Sautéed Brussels sprouts,
Best Chicken Marinade for Grilling FAQs
This recipe will marinate 1 ½ pounds (24 oz.) of chicken, however, it is easy to scale up or down to suite your needs. 4 oz. of chicken is the recommended single serving portion of chicken, but this varies depending on the individual and what sides are being served. I would say 6-8 ounces is closer to realistic.
If you can only marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, then marinate at room temperature to expedite the marinating process, however, don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes at room temperature otherwise dangerous bacteria can grow and lead to foodborne illnesses. Brushing the reserved marinade (that’s never come in contact with the chicken) on the cooked chicken will also help amplify the flavor if you’re short on time.
For maximum benefit, marinate the chicken for 12 hours, but don’t push it too much longer than that otherwise the acid in the marinade can break down the muscle fibers too much and make your chicken mushy.
No, you should NOT poke holes in the chicken before marinating. This actually drains out the valuable juices and will result in less juicy chicken. You can cut slits in thick pieces of chicken like chicken legs to reach deeper into the protein, but never holes.
CAN YOU FREEZE CHICKEN IN THE MARINADE?
Yes! If you can’t get to cooking your marinating grilled chicken within 12 hours, just pop it in the freezer – another perk of using sealable plastic bags. When it’s time to cook, just thaw and cook immediately. You don’t want the chicken to marinate again or it can become mushy.
Yes! If you can’t get to cooking your marinating grilled chicken within 12 hours, just pop it in the freezer – another perk of using sealable plastic bags. When it’s time to cook, just thaw and cook immediately. You don’t want the chicken to marinate again or it can become mushy.
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs pounded to an even thickness
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, garlic powder, salt
- 1 tsp EACH dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika
- 1/2 tsp EACH pepper, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a freezer bag or glass bowl. Add chicken to the marinade and turn to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 12 hours (the longer the better).
- When ready to cook, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let rest 15-30 minutes before cooking.
TO GRILL CHICKEN:
- Preheat grill to 400 degrees, clean and grease grates.
- Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (an inserted thermometer should reach 165 degrees F). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
TO COOK CHICKEN ON THE STOVE:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once very hot, add chicken and cook, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes, or until deeply golden on one side.
- Flip chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked to 165 degrees F.
TO BAKE CHICKEN IN THE OVEN:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Drain chicken from marinade and add to prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 16-18 minutes (depending on thickness), or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. (Baking time is for chicken approximately 1/2-inch thick, increase cooking time as needed for thicker chicken.)
Video
Notes
CAN I USE OTHER CUTS OF CHICKEN?
This chicken marinade will work with any cut of chicken including chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, chicken drumsticks, chicken legs or chicken wings. You will just need to adjust the cooking times if you swap out the cut of chicken, so keep that meat thermometer handy!HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS
- Storage: store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Microwave: chop up or slice the chicken so it reheats more evenly then transfer a small portion to a microwave safe dish. Heat for one minute then at 30 second intervals as needed.
- Oven: transfer chicken to an oven-proof dish. Cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or just until warmed through.
HOW TO FREEZE
You can freeze the uncooked chicken in the marinade or after it’s cooked.- Freeze chicken in marinade: add the chicken to the marinade ingredients in a freezer safe bag, squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, the chicken will marinate as you thaw the chicken in the refrigerator; use immediately so it doesn’t marinate too long and become mushy.
- Freeze chicken: after you have cooked the chicken, let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container or plastic freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.
HOW TO MAKE AHEAD
- Marinade: whisk the marinade together in an airtight container up to 5 days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator WITHOUT the chicken.
- Chicken: cooked balsamic chicken makes fantastic meal prep or leftovers if not initially overcooked. If you are making the chicken specifically to reheat later then consider slightly under-cooking it because it will cook a little more when reheated.
Chicken Marinating and Grilling Tips
This easy grilled chicken is very simple to make but here are some helpful tips:- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Pound the thickest part of the chicken so it’s even with the thinnest part to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. You don’t want one side to be cooked perfectly and the other side to be raw or overcooked/dry.
- Slice breasts in half before marinating. When you pound the chicken to an even thickness, you’re aiming for ½-inch thickness. If your chicken is super thick, then cut in half through the equator to create cutlets before marinating.
- Reserved marinade for veggies. You can reserve a couple tablespoons of marinade (not contaminated) to drizzle on veggies before grilling or cooking like I do in my chicken fajita recipe and many kabob recipes to make them uber flavorful without any extra work!
- Marinate chicken for four hours. You can get away with marinating the grilled chicken for as little as 60 minutes if it is pounded thin, but the longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will become. I recommend at least 4 hours but closer to 12 hours is ideal.
- Don’t over-marinate chicken. On the other hand, you don’t want to marinate the chicken longer than 12 hours because the acid (balsamic vinegar and lemon juice) can actually constrict the protein fibers and make your grilled chicken tough and chewy.
- Clean grill. You should clean your grill grates before and after grilling with a wire grill brush to remove any residue. This will help create beautiful grill marks and help prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Don’t overcook! Cook chicken breasts just to 165 degrees F. Chicken breasts are a lean protein and therefore can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to eliminate all of the guess work to achieve succulent, juicy chicken every time.
- All purpose chicken: see post for lots of ideas on how to use this grilled chicken!
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Rasbhari says
Thank you for this delicious looking recipe. I am about to prepare it for the long weekend.
Jen says
You’re so welcome Rasbhari,I hope you love it!
Lindsey says
This was amazing!! We love all your grilled chicken recipes that we’ve tried. My daughter who is a HUGE fan of huli Huli chicken (it’s her favorite food according to her kindergarten favorites worksheet 😉 ) said she loved it and she didn’t think she could ever love anything as much as huli huli chicken, her “favorite chicken in all the world” (her words). As I ate this I thought this is why I don’t like to go out to eat…your recipes taste better than any food I could get eating out. Thanks for giving us another happy family dinner!
Jen says
Your comment made my day, thanks Lindsey! I’m honored this chicken marinade ranks right up with your daughter’s “favorite chicken in the world!” (what a cutie!) and that you’re loving my recipes so much!
Aleks says
This is really the best marinade recipe, I love how the chicken turned out – it was still juicy even the following day.
I just was wondering can this recipe be used on turkey breast? And for how long should I cook it on the grill?
Jen says
Thank you so much Aleks, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! Yes, you can absolutely use it on turkey breast, just cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Jo says
This was the best grilled chicken I’ve ever had! SO good! And all ingredients I had on hand. Thank you! Your recipes are always the best!
Jen says
Thank you for taking the time to comment Jo! I’m so pleased you loved it!
Julianna Barnes says
Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious!! I marinated the chicken for about 2 1/2 hours and it was perfect. Paired it with mashed potatoes and broccoli!
Jen says
Thanks for taking the time to comment Julianna! Your entire meal sounds fabulous!
Deborah says
Once again your recipe is a hit! This marinade is delicious! Followed the recipe to a tee. Marinaded chicken breast for 7 hours, baked in oven for 16 minutes. Served the next day at room temperature and was still delicious!
Jen says
Thanks so much Deborah, I’m so pleased you’re enjoying my recipes!
Cindy McClanahan says
Yum-this is my new favorite marinade for chicken! I had all ingredients on hand, followed the directions exactly-marinating about 6 hours, and then we grilled them for our guests. EVERYONE was raving about how flavorful the chicken was. There was only a little left over which I ate the next day–cold, straight from the fridge–still delicious. THANK YOU for this great recipe!
Jen says
Thanks SO much for the awesome review Cindy! I love hearing this chicken marinade is a repeat fav!
Me says
For fuck sakes, I did not want an essay, just a recipe with damn ratings. Since when did everyone start writing novels with their recipe. After reading all this shit, I feel like you recipe providers should send me some kind of degree.
Jen says
Awesome, happy to educate you! There is a “jump to recipe” button at the top of every page.
Elaine DeVusser says
This was delicious! I only used half, so I am definitely going to make chicken sandwiches next. Thank you for all of your work and all of this info!
Jen says
You’re so welcome Elaine, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
GigiGetter says
Prepared your marinade for the 2nd time which inspired me to write a 5 star review! I indirect grilled spay cocked chicken after doubling your recipe and marinating it overnight. The whole chicken was moist and delicious. I wish that I would have found this recipe sooner!!! This will be my company chicken recipe. Thank you Jen!
Jen says
Thank you so much for the glowing review Gigi! I’m so pleased this is a new favorite!
Gwen says
What is the optimal thickness I should pound the chicken?
Jen says
Hi Gwen, it just depends on the thickness of the chicken you start out with. You want to pound the thin part a little to tenderize and then the thickest part so it’s even with the thin part. We are not going for super thin like Chicken Parm, just so it’s tenderized and even. I hope that helps!
Jean Brubaker says
I made this today on a charcoal grill and it was delicious. My husband and son loved it. I would like to try the other marinade recipes you have for chicken. Thank you so much.
Jen says
I’m so pleased your family loved it Jean! I’m excited for you to try my other marinades as well – they are my favorite easy way to cook flavorful chicken!
Jean Brubaker says
I made this exactly as the recipe stated. It was delicious! My son and husband loved it. I also made individual sliced potato and onion packets putting them on the grill about 20 minutes before the chicken. I have made it twice now and it was even better the second time because I didn’t overcook it. I used an instant read thermometer to check so I knew when it was done. Loved this recipe! Really tasty, juicy and nicely browned with beautiful grill marks. Am I making anyone hungry?! 🙂
Jen says
LOL – you’re making me hungry! I’m so pleased it was a hit and that you invested in an instant read thermometer – they make all the difference!
Maureen widdifield says
I’ve made this recipe twice now and it is delicious! I didn’t have balsamic vinegar on hand so I used apple cider vinegar instead and it tasted great! I threw in a little rosemary too (because I love it). Will definitely make this again
Jen says
You know a recipe is a new favorite when you are able to play with it! I’m so pleased you’re loving it and the addition of rosemary sounds yum1
Mike B. says
This brought me to the end of the movie “Ratatouille”, where the food critic took one bite of Ratatouille and it sent him into a new dimension of flavors, childhood memories, etc. This was that moment for me and my family! Holy moly, this was amazing. We fly around the internet like everyone else looking for new recipes, but this chicken recipe earned “Best in Show”, and will be a monthly, if not weekly, summer recipe for us. Thank you, Jennifer!
Jen says
Your comment made my day, I love your description of the “Ratatouille” moment, thanks Mike! I’m so pleased this recipe is a new repeat favorite!
Maggie says
Seriously the BEST marinade! make this at least every other week. typically chicken breasts are dry, flavorless. this permeates the meat and makes it SO flavorful!
Jen says
Thanks for the glowing review Maggie, I’m so pleased this recipe is a repeat favorite!
Coburn says
Rave reviews from teens and adult guests. It is awesome that it isn’t a specific label of flavor – it is just good! I marinated for a couple of hours, then grilled. The chicken was moist and flavorful. Definitely a keeper!
Jen says
That’s what I like to hear, thank you so much Coburn!
Lisa says
Excellent! A great staple to have on hand. Also, I appreciate the details given here so I can adjust for whatever situation I have (frozen marinated chicken for a sailboat turned out great!).
I didn’t have lemon juice but lime juice worked just fine.
Jen says
Thanks Lisa, I’m so pleased it was a winner!
Irina C says
The God has blessed you with this recipe. Thank you SO much for passing it along. My husband and I absolutely loved. So easy and delicious. Great for meal prep as well. This is going into my recipe box. I just went out to the sore and bought more chicken so I can meal prep.
Jen says
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Irina! I’m so pleased to hear this is a new favorite!
Michelle says
This was a hit! My teens loved it, said it was the best chicken I have made. I ran out of balsamic vinegar so I just added extra soy sauce. Not overly sweet, simply Delicious!
Jen says
Thanks Michelle, that is quite the complement coming from teenagers!
Kari says
WOW!!! This recipe is literally the most amazing chicken you will ever have. I grilled ours, I also only had limes instead of lemons and it was INCREDIBLE!! Seriously gf you have got a talent!! I’m now a follower! It was so easy too just put it all in a bag marinade and 30 min from the counter you grill. This is a 5 star recipe really. My entire family absolutely loved it and we have teenagers too. Not only that no one spoke a word they just ate LOL LOL love you you’re amazing I can’t wait to see what else you have!!!
Jen says
Thank you so much for the glowing review Kari, I’m thrilled you loved this grilled chicken so much! I’m excited for you to try my other recipes as well, particularly my marinades – I have TONS! I hope you discover many new favorites!
Libby says
This was delicious. I made 2 breasts to try on myself, before trying on my family. SOOOOO good. I put on a salad (2 days in a row), but would be great served with rice or potatoes and a veggie or even on fajitas or in a bowl. Definitely a keeper and my go to!
Thank you, Jennifer, for such an amazing recipe!!
Jen says
Hi Libby! Thank you so much! I am so happy that it’s a keeper!
Jolene says
I’m not usually a fan of marinades. They are usually way to salty. This was wonderful. I would use this again for sure. I may try it on pork too
Jen says
Thanks Jolene, I’m so pleased it will be on repeat!
John N. says
Tried this marinade yesterday. Cooked the chicken in the oven. Used it in a chicken Ceasar salad. Turned out great. I’ve tried a lot of different chicken marinades over the years and this one is definitely five stars. I’m thinking it will work well on pork tenderloin as well.
Jen says
Thanks for the 5 star review John! I’m so pleased you loved it so much!
Lindi says
UMMM- OBSESSED! So good I’m making it again today for the second time this week 🙂 Thanks for sharing a great one!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Lindi! I am so happy you love this enough to make it for a second time this week!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and find more recipes to enjoy!
Katie says
In the picture is shows a white dip, is that a home made ranch?
Jen says
Hi Katie, I think you’re just seeing the ingredients for the marinade but you can find my homemade ranch here: https://carlsbadcravings.com/best-homemade-ranch-dressing-recipe/
Natasha Soreco says
Excelente recipe fo sho, will definitely make again!!!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Natasha! I am so happy this will be a repeat!
Allison says
This was straight up fire! I usually just marinate my chicken in Italian dressing but had none on hand today so I tried your recipe. Never going back! This was SO Good!! Holy heck I had no idea what I was missing. Thank you!
Jen says
Thank you so much for your glowing review, Allison! I am thrilled you loved this so much!!
Kara says
YUM! I wasn’t sure how all of these ingredients were going to marry well, but wow, it was delicious. My hubby can sniff out mustard a mile away so I left it out, but we didn’t miss it! Didn’t pound my filets out, just cut them thin, and marinated for about 3 hours. Juicy, flavorful, tender. 5 ⭐
Jen says
Thank you so much, Kara! I’m so happy this did not disappoint, and that you give it five stars! Thanks for such a great review!
Jess B says
Hi! I feel like your story says there is honey in the recipe but I’m not seeing that listed on the ingredient list. Am I missing it?! Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Jess, the intro I believe originally said honey but was changed to brown sugar. So there is only brown sugar in the recipe, but you can swap it for honey if you like!
VCS says
Honestly I thought this marinade was the best, when I used regular white vinegar instead of the balsamic one. First time I couldn’t open the bottle of balsamic so I used regular vinegar .It was fantastic, This last time my son was able to open the balsamic bottle so I used it and it wasn’t the same experience and I attribute it to the balsamic vinegar. My preference from this day forward will be regular white vinegar. All and all, great marinade recipe!
Jen says
Thank you! I am so glad you found a marinade that you love!
Christa says
Hands down the best marinade I have ever used. I get compliments on it every time I use it and I have used it at least 10 times. The chicken is very flavorful without being overpowering so you can use it in a lot of different dishes and it just blends so well.
Jen says
Thank you! I am so happy to hear it has been a go-to!
KATHY J says
This has become our absolute favorite chicken recipe! It was a HUGE hit at the baby shower bbq for our son and daughter in law. It is wonderful just as is or on a bun with fresh fixings or atop a salad! I follow the recipe but never use soy, so I either just replace with amino acids or skip it completely and do not miss it at all. So YUM!
Jen says
Thank you! I am so glad that it has been such a go-to recipe!
Abby says
This marinade was fantastic! Thank you for sharing recipe, I made this with boneless skinless chicken breast for dinner tonight and flavor was so good. Will be using this marinade often:)
Jen says
I am so happy to hear that it will be a repeat!
Mary says
I absolutely loved it! I’d show you a pic, but I ate BOTH chicken breasts I made. One thing I would suggest is longer than 1/2 hour marinade. I made this last minute, but I think an hour would have made it even tastier. Kudos!!! Thank you!!!!
Jen says
Haha I’m so glad that you loved them! Thanks for sharing!!!
Chris D. says
Many chicken marinade recipes promise, but most fail to deliver on their promise. Your’s delivered in a big way. Delicious !
Jen says
WOW! What a kind compliment! I’m so glad you loved it!
Tamyka Cook says
This is definitely the Best Chicken Marinade. I love that it infuses the chicken with flavor in a short period of time, 30 minutes being the shortest amount of time I’ve pulled the chicken to be grilled. I also love that even the kids, ages 3-9, absolutely love it. My niece, 9yo, requested I send the recipe to both her mom she dad. I had to make 2 batches that day and she wouldn’t leave until she received some from the second batch.
Jen says
Haha, how cute! I am so glad that it has been such a favorite!
Mary says
Excellent marinade! I used chicken thighs and they were delicious grilled! This recipe is a keeper!
Jen says
I’m so pleased to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Chris says
The best!
Jen says
Thank you!
Kara says
OMG, I’ve made this a few times now and it’s absolutely delicious. My hubby even comments on it, and it’s rare! Thanks for this recipe – it’s da bomb!
Jen says
Thank you! I’m so glad this made for an especially delicious meal!
Margaret Curran says
Wow so delicious! I omitted the lemon juice as I had none on hand. Used golden monkfruit in place of the brown sugar. Marinaded for about an hour and a half. Rested out of fridge for 20 minutes. Baked in the oven for 20 minutes. Fabulous low carb way to make chicken thighs.
Jen says
I’m so glad you loved it!
Jamie says
Recipes called “the best” aren’t always. This marinade is the real deal! I have used it several times now, and it will be my go to from now on. Thank you!
Jen says
Thank you! I’m so thrilled this lived up to its name!!
Benjamine says
Past labor day weekend was celebrated with your chicken marinate among other BBQ items and it was well received. Nice and crunchy and soooo tasty and juicy.
thank you so much for sharing.
Jen says
Thanks! I’m so glad it was a hit!
Stephanie says
It’s delish my kids enjoy it. What is the nutritional information per serving?
Jen says
You can determine the nutritional info by going to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator and entering the ingredients. I’m so glad you all love this!
Kamar says
Thank you so much for this recipe! Can I use this marinade for chicken kebob? If so, should I cube chicken breast before marinating or after grilling? Thanks!
Jen says
Absolutely! Yes, I would cube the chicken first. Enjoy!
Ciara says
Could I sub honey (or something else) for the brown sugar if I’m trying to avoid sugar??
Jen says
Hi Ciara! I haven’t done so with this recipe but you should be able to sub honey for the brown sugar! I hope you love it!