This tasty grilled chicken marinade is packed with flavor! With ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, it makes your chicken juicy and delicious every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use avocado oil. It has a similar flavor profile and is also great for grilling!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings savory umami flavors. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a perfect substitute.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the marinade a sweet tang. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, just consider adding a touch more honey for sweetness.
Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy flavors. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re vegan or prefer to avoid honey.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but I prefer the flavor of fresh garlic.
Dried Oregano: Oregano adds an earthy note. You could swap it with Italian seasoning or thyme if you prefer other herbs.
Dijon Mustard: It gives a nice depth. Yellow mustard could work, but Dijon has that extra twist I love. If you’re avoiding mustard, feel free to leave it out.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To make sure your chicken turns out juicy and packed with flavor, marinating is key! Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This really helps absorb all those delicious flavors.
- After mixing your marinade, let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When you’re ready to grill, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after grilling! Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) for marinating. The grilling will take an additional 12-16 minutes. In total, you’re looking at a great, flavorful chicken in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, mostly waiting for the marinade to do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Start with the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Then, add in the minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. The smell will be amazing!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it into the fridge. Keep it there for at least 2 hours, but if you can let it marinate overnight, that’s even better!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. If you like, garnish with some fresh parsley for a nice touch!
Enjoy your flavorful grilled chicken!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than 24 Hours?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for the best flavor! However, marinating for too long (over 48 hours) can lead to a mushy texture due to the acidity in the marinade. Stick to the 2-24 hour guideline for a perfect balance!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different—add a touch of sugar or honey to replicate that sweet undertone of balsamic if desired.
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard any used marinade, but if you have leftovers that haven’t come into contact with raw chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it as a dressing or a drizzle on grilled vegetables!
Can I Use This Marinade for Other Proteins?
Absolutely! This marinade works great for fish, shrimp, or pork. Just adjust the marinating time: fish should marinate for about 30 minutes, while pork can go for a few hours, similar to chicken.
