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Sliced grilled chicken breast with glossy marinade and fresh parsley on wooden board

Chicken Marinade Recipe

Ella
After years of testing mix after mix, I finally landed on the one chicken marinade my family actually requests. It turns plain chicken into something tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every single time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the flavor base

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or another mild vinegar
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For balance and seasoning

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

For the protein

  • 3.5 lb chicken breasts or mixed cuts

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, sugar, rosemary, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade in a sealed container for basting or serving later.
  • Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour in the rest of the marinade. Seal or cover and evenly coat the chicken by massaging or pressing gently.
  • For faster absorption, poke the chicken with a fork a few times. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4–6 hours, up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates. Remove chicken and let excess marinade drip off. Grill each side for 5–6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Brush reserved marinade over chicken once or twice while cooking. This keeps it moist and boosts flavor.
  • Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Optional: To turn reserved marinade into sauce, bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Notes

This marinade works well for grilling, baking, stovetop, or air fryer cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken—always set some aside before adding the meat. For meal prep, freeze chicken and marinade in bags for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 115 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 1041 mg
Potassium: 77 mg
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: Varies by chicken cut
Vitamin A: 15 IU
Vitamin C: 2.8 mg
Calcium: 19 mg
Iron: 0.7 mg
Keyword Chicken Marinade, Easy Marinade, Juicy Chicken