Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade

Grilled chicken marinade on a white plate showing juicy sliced chicken breasts with charred edges, herbs, and lemon on marble surface.

Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade

This grilled chicken marinade is my go-to family recipe for juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it is perfect for busy weeknights, summer grilling, and making sweet kitchen memories together.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best chicken marinade for grilling, easy chicken marinade, Family Dinner Recipe, grilled chicken marinade, juicy grilled chicken

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Marinating Time: 2

Total Time: 2 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 320kcal

Cost: $14

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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