The search for the perfect backyard BBQ staple ends here. This Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade is specifically designed to be a total crowd-pleaser, not too spicy, not too sweet, but packed with savory, herbaceous notes that everyone loves. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen, making it the perfect last-minute solution for summer cookouts, family reunions, or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready to be asked, "Can I have this recipe?" by every single guest at the table!
This grilled chicken marinade indian style, simple chicken marinade for grilling, and best chicken marinade for grilling uses a balsamic vinegar marinade, soy sauce umami, lemon juice acidity, and dried herb blend (parsley, basil, oregano) to create tender, juicy chicken. Whether you're making 4 ingredient chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade yogurt, grilled chicken marinade for salad, grilled chicken marinade reddit, or grilled chicken marinade nyt versions, this recipe works perfectly. The combination of red wine vinegar base, Worcestershire sauce flavor, honey sweetness balance, Dijon mustard marinade, and garlic seasoning profile creates the ultimate grilled chicken.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
- My Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Variations on Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Equipment for Making Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Storage Tips for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Adam's Tip for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- FAQ About Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Seriously simple. Just whisk together a handful of pantry staples and you're done. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- Works for everything. Use it on chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
- Make-ahead friendly. Mix up a batch and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Dinner just got easier.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Marinade
This simple ingredient list creates the best chicken marinade for grilling.
What You'll Need
For the Marinade:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Alternatively, use chicken drumsticks, wings, or bone-in pieces
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme
Why These Ingredients Matter
Balsamic vinegar marinade tenderizes the chicken. The acidity in balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar base breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
Soy sauce umami adds depth. The combination of soy sauce umami and Worcestershire sauce flavor creates a savory richness that takes this simple chicken marinade for grilling to the next level.
Dried herb blend brings classic flavor. The combination of parsley, basil, and oregano in the dried herb blend gives this marinade that familiar Italian-inspired taste everyone loves.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the marinade. In a medium bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Add the seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the garlic seasoning profile is evenly distributed.
- Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Marinate the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor. For best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Flip the bag or turn the chicken halfway through if possible.
- Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side for boneless breasts or thighs, or 10 to 12 minutes per side for bone-in pieces, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside for the most moist chicken marinade results.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides, in a salad, or on a sandwich.
Quick Tip: Save some marinade before adding the raw chicken and use it as a basting sauce while grilling for extra flavor!
My Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Double the batch. This simple chicken marinade for grilling keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so make extra for easy weeknight dinners.
- Don't marinate too long. While 2 to 4 hours is ideal, don't go beyond 24 hours or the chicken can become mushy from the lemon juice acidity and balsamic vinegar marinade.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling. This helps the chicken get nice grill marks and prevents it from steaming on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer. The best way to grill chicken is to check the internal temperature. Chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part.
- Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this marinade, Adam watched me pour everything into a jar and asked, "Why are we putting honey with vinegar? Won't that taste weird?" I explained that the honey sweetness balance helps cut the tanginess and makes the chicken taste amazing. When dinner was ready, he took a bite of his grilled chicken breast and said, "Mom, this is SO good! It's juicy and has so much flavor. Can we have this every week?"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, I used to make something similar when your grandfather was alive. The secret is in the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. And you're right to use the balsamic vinegar marinade, it makes the chicken so tender. This is a keeper recipe."
If you love easy marinades, try our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. It's another family favorite with bold flavors.
Substitutions for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Balsamic vinegar: Swap with red wine vinegar base, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar for a different tang.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free, or Worcestershire sauce flavor for extra depth.
- Honey: Replace with brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar for honey sweetness balance.
- Dijon mustard: Use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard for the Dijon mustard marinade.
Variations on Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Grilled Chicken Marinade Indian: Add 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and use grilled chicken marinade yogurt (½ cup plain yogurt) for grilled chicken marinade indian style.
- Simple Chicken Marinade for Grilling (4 Ingredient): Use just olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for 4 ingredient chicken marinade and simple chicken marinade for grilling.
- Best Chicken Marinade for Grilling (Classic): Follow the recipe above with balsamic vinegar marinade, soy sauce umami, and dried herb blend for best chicken marinade for grilling and best chicken on the grill recipe.
- Grilled Chicken Marinade Yogurt (Greek Style): Replace the oil and vinegar with 1 cup Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and dill for grilled chicken marinade yogurt and marinates for chicken breast.
- Grilled Chicken Marinade for Salad (Light & Fresh): Use a red wine vinegar base, olive oil, lemon juice acidity, Dijon mustard marinade, and fresh herbs for grilled chicken marinade for salad and grilled chicken salad recipes.
If you're looking for more comfort food, check out our Chicken Casserole. It's perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment for Making Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Whisk or mason jar: For mixing the marinade ingredients until smooth.
- Large resealable plastic bag or baking dish: For marinating the chicken evenly.
- Grill or grill pan: A gas or charcoal grill works best, but a grill pan on the stove works too for grilled chicken on the stove.
- Meat thermometer: Essential for checking that the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating and the best way to make grilled chicken.
Storage Tips for Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Refrigerator (marinade): Store unused marinade in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken.
- Refrigerator (cooked chicken): Store grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Perfect for grilled chicken sandwich recipes, grilled chicken salad recipes, and leftover grilled chicken recipes.
- Freezer (marinade): Freeze the marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- Freezer (cooked chicken): Freeze grilled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
For more easy chicken dinners, try our Cream Cheese Chicken. Another quick weeknight winner.
Adam's Tip for Grilled Chicken Marinade
"Make sure you save some of the marinade before you put the raw chicken in! Then you can brush it on while it's grilling for extra yumminess. Just don't use the one the chicken was soaking in because that's not safe!"
FAQ About Grilled Chicken Marinade
What's a good chicken marinade for grilling?
A good chicken marinade for grilling includes a balance of acid (like balsamic vinegar marinade, red wine vinegar base, or lemon juice acidity), oil (olive oil), flavor enhancers (soy sauce umami, Worcestershire sauce flavor, Dijon mustard marinade), sweetness (honey sweetness balance or brown sugar), and seasonings (garlic seasoning profile and dried herb blend like parsley, basil, oregano). This simple chicken marinade for grilling and best chicken marinade for grilling recipe combines all these elements for tender, juicy chicken. The balsamic vinegar marinade tenderizes the meat while the soy sauce umami adds depth. This works for grilled chicken marinade indian, grilled chicken marinade yogurt, and grilled chicken marinade for salad variations.
Does grilled chicken need to be marinated?
While grilled chicken doesn't technically need to be marinated, marinating makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. A marinade like this best chicken marinade for grilling adds moisture, prevents the chicken from drying out, and infuses it with amazing flavor from the balsamic vinegar marinade, lemon juice acidity, dried herb blend, and garlic seasoning profile. Even a simple chicken marinade for grilling with just 4 ingredient chicken marinade (oil, lemon, garlic, salt) improves the taste. For the best way to make grilled chicken and most moist chicken marinade, marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. This chicken marinade for the grill easy and yummy chicken marinade ensures delicious grilled chicken recipes.
What is the best seasoning for grilling chicken?
The best seasoning for grilling chicken depends on your flavor preferences, but a classic combination includes garlic seasoning profile, dried herb blend (parsley, basil, oregano), salt, and black pepper. For more depth, add soy sauce umami, Worcestershire sauce flavor, Dijon mustard marinade, and lemon juice acidity. This homemade chicken marinade for the grill and best chicken marinade for grilling includes all these elements. For grilled chicken marinade indian, add curry powder, cumin, and garam masala. For a smokey chicken marinade, add smoked paprika. The key to seasoning grilled chicken and the best way to grill chicken is balancing savory, tangy, and sweet flavors with balsamic vinegar marinade and honey sweetness balance.
What is the secret to a good marinade for chicken?
The secret to a good marinade for chicken is the right balance of acid, oil, flavor, and time. The acid (like balsamic vinegar marinade, red wine vinegar base, or lemon juice acidity) tenderizes the meat, the oil keeps it moist, and the flavor components (soy sauce umami, Worcestershire sauce flavor, Dijon mustard marinade, garlic seasoning profile, dried herb blend) add depth. The honey sweetness balance rounds it all out. For the best chicken marinade for grilling and simple chicken marinade for grilling, marinate for 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor without making the chicken mushy. This best marinated chicken recipes and the best chicken marinade recipe uses these principles for delicious grilled chicken recipes and grilled chicken recipes easy healthy.
For another delicious marinade option, check out this Best Chicken Marinade from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
There's nothing better than watching your friends and family go back for seconds (and thirds!). This versatile chicken marinade is my most-requested recipe for a reason, it just works for everyone. If you're planning your next big cookout, be sure to Pin this recipe to your "Summer Grilling" board. I can't wait to see your grill marks, tag me in your photos so I can see the feast!
If you try this simple chicken marinade for grilling or the best chicken marinade for grilling, you'll never go back to plain grilled chicken. Whether you're making grilled chicken marinade indian style, 4 ingredient chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade yogurt, or grilled chicken marinade for salad, this recipe is a winner. The balsamic vinegar marinade and dried herb blend create the most flavorful chicken. Please leave a 5-star rating below if this becomes your new go-to recipe! For more easy chicken dinners, try our Marry Me Chicken Soup. Happy grilling!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Best Grilled Chicken Marinade:
recipe
Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl Medium size works best for whisking comfortably.
- Whisk A fork works in a pinch if little hands want to help.
- Resealable plastic bag or baking dish Use whichever is easiest for your fridge space.
- Grill or grill pan Outdoor grill preferred, but stovetop works great too.
- Meat Thermometer Helps teach kids when food is safely cooked.
Ingredients
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Stir in the garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
- Add the chicken to a resealable bag or baking dish and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Notes
- For a yogurt version, replace the oil and vinegar with plain Greek yogurt and marinate overnight.
- This marinade works beautifully for chicken salad, wraps, or meal prep lunches.
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- If cooking with kids, let them help whisk and sprinkle. Those moments matter more than perfection.
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