Try any of these 8 marinades for tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken. Simply mix your chosen marinade, coat the chicken, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
1. Asian Honey Marinade
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
2. Fajita Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro
(Adjust quantities as needed for 2x or 3x batches.)
3. Lemon Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
4. BBQ Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
5. Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon sriracha
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
6. Italian Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
7. Balsamic Chicken Marinade
For 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
8. Jalapeño Garlic Marinade
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Select your preferred marinade.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients (excluding the chicken).
- Place the chicken breasts in a glass dish or resealable gallon-size bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook using your preferred method until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Methods
Oven:
Place chicken and marinade in an oven-safe dish. Bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grill:
Grill over direct heat at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips
- Each marinade recipe is designed for 1–1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast.
- Double or triple the marinade ingredients if cooking larger portions.
- For best results, always marinate in the refrigerator.
- Discard used marinade or boil it thoroughly before using as a sauce.
