Hey there, my friend 👋. If you want your chicken to taste like restaurant-quality deliciousness, you need a good marinade. This one is simple, yet it makes all the difference. It keeps the chicken moist, tender, and packed with flavor.
And guess what? You don’t need fancy ingredients. Just basic pantry staples that work together to make your chicken taste amazing.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ziplock bag or airtight container
- Knife
- Cutting board
Important Info
- Servings: 4 pieces of chicken
- Estimated Cost: Around $5, depending on your ingredients
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies (depends on how you cook the chicken)
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Additional Time: At least 30 minutes for marinating (best if left overnight)
- Calories per Serving: Around 120 (for the marinade alone)
- Cook Method: Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Frying
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet, LowFatDiet, LowCalorieDiet
Ingredients You Need
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Vegetable oil, avocado oil |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce |
| Lemon juice | Vinegar (white or apple cider) |
| Honey | Maple syrup, brown sugar |
| Paprika | Chili powder, cayenne (for spice) |
| Dried oregano | Thyme, basil, Italian seasoning |
Instructions
- Mix the marinade – In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Marinate the chicken – Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over it, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Let it soak – Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight for the best flavor.
- Cook your chicken – Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method:
- Grill: Cook on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Bake: Place in a 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Pan-fry: Cook on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side in a pan.
- Rest before serving – Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This helps keep the juices inside.
Notes
- If marinating overnight, store the chicken in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Always discard leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken. Do not reuse it.
- For extra flavor, poke small holes in the chicken before marinating. This helps the flavors seep inside.
- If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill. Give the chicken space to cook evenly.
What to Serve with Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Grilled veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Rice – White rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
- Salad – A fresh green salad balances out the flavors.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy and perfect with juicy chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but if you want the best flavor, overnight is ideal. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, you can use it for beef, pork, or even fish. Just reduce the marinating time for fish to 15-20 minutes.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, place the chicken in a freezer bag with the marinade and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Do I need to rinse the marinade off before cooking?
No, but let the excess drip off before cooking to avoid burning in the pan or on the grill.
Can I make this marinade without soy sauce?
Yes, you can swap soy sauce for coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
