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grilled chicken marinade

Flavorful Grilled Chicken Marinade for Juicy Summer Feasts

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This grilled chicken marinade is a game changer, elevating your chicken dishes with savory, tangy flavors for any cooking method.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup olive oil substitute with avocado oil if desired
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice lime juice or vinegar can be used
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar apple cider vinegar can be used
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar honey or maple syrup can substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard swap for stone-ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder can use fresh onion if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic is a great alternative
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil fresh basil can be used
  • 1 teaspoon oregano can substitute with Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon thyme rosemary can be used instead
  • 1 teaspoon paprika use smoked paprika for more flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper adjust to heat preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes omit for milder marinade

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Resealable Plastic Bag
  • grill
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the grilled chicken marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and your chosen spices. This step should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Place your chicken into a large, resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably 12 hours.
  3. Allow the marinated chicken to rest at room temperature for approximately 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
  4. Preheat your grill to 400°F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill each piece of chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on one side. Flip once they develop good grill marks and color. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Let the grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, brush any reserved marinade on the cooked chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 17gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Aim for at least 4 hours of marinating time, ideally overnight, for best flavor results. Chicken should reach the proper internal temperature for safety.

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