Description
A flavorful grilled chicken marinade recipe featuring a balanced blend of tangy lemon juice, savory soy sauce, and aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for marinating boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs to achieve juicy, tender, and deliciously grilled chicken that’s great for summer barbecues or quick weekday dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (pounded to an even thickness)
Marinade
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a freezer bag or glass bowl until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the pounded chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 12 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Rest Before Cooking: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to 400 degrees F. Clean and grease the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place chicken on the grill and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook on Stove Option: Alternatively, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip the chicken, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and reaching 165 degrees F internally.
- Bake in Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Drain the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared dish. Bake uncovered for 16-18 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. For thicker pieces, increase baking time accordingly.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 12 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Letting chicken rest before cooking allows even cooking temperature and prevents toughness.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts based on preference; thighs will be juicier.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired level of spice.
- When grilling, make sure grill grates are well oiled to prevent sticking.
- If using the oven method, check thickness of chicken to adjust cook time appropriately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
