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The BEST All-Purpose Chicken Marinade for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Close-up of two grilled chicken breasts showing grill marks and herbs from the chicken marinade.
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Say goodbye to dry chicken. This easy, homemade chicken marinade uses simple pantry staples to create the most tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time. It is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until fully combined. This is your all-purpose chicken marinade.
  2. Place 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken (breasts or thighs) into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for best results. For freezer-friendly meal prep, you can freeze the chicken and marinade together for up to 3 months.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
  6. Cook using your preferred method: Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For a Mexican or Fajita flavor profile, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the marinade base.
  • For a Greek flavor, increase the oregano to 2 teaspoons and add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
  • This recipe works well for chicken breasts and chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker cuts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/best-chicken-marinade-easy-juicy-recipe/