Grilled chicken is a tasty and healthy meal option. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed in many ways. But plain grilled chicken can get boring after a while. That’s where marinades come in handy.
Marinades add flavor and keep chicken moist when grilling. You can make delicious marinades with common ingredients from your kitchen. This article will show you 15 great marinades to try. You’ll find options for different tastes and cuisines. Get ready to spice up your next chicken dinner!
1. Lemon Herb Marinade
This marinade brings bright, zesty flavors to your grilled chicken. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Place your chicken in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden with nice grill marks. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
You can also bake the chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For stovetop cooking, sear in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
2. Garlic and Cilantro Marinade
This zesty marinade combines the bold flavors of garlic and cilantro. Mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and a touch of honey for balance.
Place your chicken in a zip-top bag with the marinade. Let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge. For best results, flip the bag occasionally to evenly coat the meat.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill it over medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F internally. The result is juicy chicken with a bright, herbal flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts.
3. Honey Mustard Marinade
This tasty marinade combines sweet honey with tangy mustard for a perfect balance of flavors. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic in a bowl. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Coat your chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to infuse the meat.
You can grill or bake the marinated chicken. For grilling, cook on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes.
Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken. Your honey mustard chicken will be juicy and full of flavor.
4. Balsamic Herb Marinade
This tasty marinade combines balsamic vinegar with herbs for a flavorful chicken dish. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Add your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
Place your chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. For best results, don’t marinate longer than 8 hours.
Grill your chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. You can also cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 410°F for 15-25 minutes.
This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. It gives your grilled chicken a tangy, herb-infused flavor that’s sure to please.
5. Spicy Chipotle Marinade
Get ready to spice up your grilled chicken with this smoky chipotle marinade. It’s quick to make and packs a flavorful punch.
Mix oil, honey, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper in a blender. Puree for a few seconds to combine. This marinade takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
Coat your chicken in the marinade and let it sit. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. Grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked.
This marinade adds a smoky heat to your chicken. Use it for breasts, thighs, or wings. The grilled chipotle chicken works great in salads, tacos, or wraps.
6. Teriyaki Marinade
Teriyaki marinade gives your grilled chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger to create this tasty blend.
Let your chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate it overnight in the fridge.
When grilling, cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F for breasts or 170°F for thighs. The sugars in the marinade will create a nice char on the outside.
Serve your teriyaki chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions. This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Greek Yogurt Marinade
Greek yogurt makes a great base for a chicken marinade. It helps tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy.
Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano. Add some olive oil and spices such as turmeric or paprika.
Place your chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, let it sit overnight.
This marinade works well for grilling or baking. The yogurt creates a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with Mediterranean-inspired sides.
8. Citrus Basil Marinade
This bright and flavorful marinade combines zesty citrus with aromatic basil. Mix fresh lime, lemon, and orange juice in a bowl. Add minced garlic and chopped basil leaves.
Blend the citrus juices, herbs, and a splash of olive oil until smooth. Pour the mixture over your chicken in a dish or zip-top bag.
Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
9. Honey Sriracha Marinade
This sweet and spicy marinade will give your grilled chicken a kick. Mix honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Pour the mixture over your chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, leave it in the fridge for 4-8 hours.
When you’re ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade. Cook it on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until it’s done.
The honey caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious glaze. The sriracha adds a spicy punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
10. Thai Peanut Marinade
This marinade brings Thai flavors to your grilled chicken. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and ginger in a bowl. Add some garlic, sesame oil, and chili sauce for extra kick.
Coat your chicken pieces in the marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for 1-5 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in.
Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. Cook until it reaches 165°F inside. Serve with extra peanut sauce on top.
You can garnish your Thai peanut chicken with cilantro, basil, or crushed peanuts. Add a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the meat.
11. Pineapple Ginger Marinade
This marinade brings a tropical twist to your grilled chicken. You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple mixed with the spicy kick of ginger.
To make it, combine pineapple juice, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. Add a splash of sesame oil for depth. For extra zing, include some green onions.
Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for stronger flavor. The pineapple juice helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with sweetness.
When grilling, watch closely as the sugars can burn quickly. The result is juicy chicken with a delicious caramelized exterior.
12. Rosemary Dijon Marinade
This marinade combines the earthy flavor of rosemary with tangy Dijon mustard. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Place your chicken in a plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the mixture into the meat. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the marinade and grill it until it’s cooked through. The result is a flavorful, juicy chicken with a hint of herbs and mustard.
13. Smoky Paprika Marinade
This marinade gives your grilled chicken a rich, smoky flavor. Mix smoked paprika, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag or dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is coated. Massage the mixture into the meat for better flavor.
Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 3 hours. Grill over medium heat for about 15-18 minutes. Turn and brush with extra marinade halfway through cooking. Your chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside.
14. Asian Sesame Marinade
This tasty marinade brings Asian flavors to your grilled chicken. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey for a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Add minced garlic and ginger for extra zing. Sprinkle in some sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal.
Let your chicken soak in this marinade for at least 30 minutes. For best results, leave it overnight in the fridge.
Grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat until it’s cooked through. The sugars in the marinade will create a nice caramelized crust.
15. Coconut Lime Marinade
This tropical marinade brings a taste of the islands to your grilled chicken. Mix coconut milk, lime juice, and zest for a creamy, tangy base. Add garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for depth and sweetness.
Coat your chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge. The coconut milk helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes per side. The natural sugars in the marinade will caramelize, creating a delicious crust. Serve with coconut rice for a complete tropical meal.
Understanding Chicken Marinades
Chicken marinades add flavor and moisture to your grilled chicken. They use a mix of ingredients to enhance taste and texture.
Purpose and Benefits of Marinating
Marinades make chicken more flavorful and tender. They soak into the meat, adding taste throughout. The acids in marinades break down tough proteins, making the chicken juicier.
Marinating also keeps chicken from drying out on the grill. This helps prevent tough, chewy meat.
You can use marinades to add different flavors to your chicken. This lets you create variety in your meals without much extra work.
Key Ingredients for Marinades
Most marinades have three main parts:
- Oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken
- Acid: Tenderizes the meat (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.)
- Seasonings: Add flavor (herbs, spices, garlic, etc.)
Common marinade bases include:
- Olive oil and lemon juice
- Soy sauce and brown sugar
- Lime juice and garlic
You can add extra flavors like mustard, honey, or hot sauce. Mix and match to create your own unique marinades.
For best results, marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Don’t marinate too long, or the meat can get mushy.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Grilling chicken to perfection requires careful preparation and technique. Following the right steps will help you achieve juicy, flavorful results every time.
Preparing the Grill
Clean your grill grates thoroughly before cooking. Use a wire brush to remove any leftover food particles. This prevents sticking and off-flavors.
Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before adding the chicken. For gas grills, set to medium-high heat. For charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with gray ash.
Create two heat zones on your grill. Keep one side hot for searing and the other cooler for finishing the chicken. This gives you more control over the cooking process.
Oil the grates lightly just before adding the chicken. Use tongs to dip a paper towel in oil and wipe the grates. This extra step helps prevent sticking.
Best Practices for Grilling Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before grilling. This helps the marinade stick better and promotes even browning.
Don’t move the chicken too much while cooking. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes before flipping. This allows nice grill marks to form.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Brush on any leftover marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor. Make sure to bring it to a boil first to kill any bacteria.
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