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The BEST Chicken Marinade

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This is truly the BEST Chicken Marinade! It creates incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or cooking on the stovetop. With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this easy marinade is sure to become your go-to chicken recipe.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or other vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon or spicy brown mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 6 chicken breasts (or about 3.5 lbs chicken)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Remove 1/2 cup of the marinade and reserve for basting.
  3. Place chicken in a large resealable bag and pour remaining marinade over the chicken.
  4. Seal bag and gently massage to coat chicken evenly.
  5. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours (4–6 hours recommended).
  6. To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, basting occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Remove from grill, tent with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Optional: Bring reserved marinade to a boil and simmer until reduced to use as a sauce.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor, but even 30 minutes works well.
  • For baking: Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • For stovetop: Cook over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes per side.
  • Always allow chicken to rest before serving.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Marinating
  • Cuisine: American