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

Close-up of perfectly grilled chicken thighs coated in herbs, showing char marks from the grill, made with the best chicken marinade.
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This is your go-to recipe for the best chicken marinade. It uses simple pantry staples to create incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time you grill, bake, or pan-sear.

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 dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon 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, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until fully combined. This creates your flavor-packed chicken marinade.
  2. Place your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or wings) into a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For best results, refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. For maximum tenderness, you can marinate overnight.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade before cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 400°F (200°C), or pan-sear until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • This marinade works well for meal prep. Marinate chicken in batches and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners later.
  • If you are air frying, use this marinade and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For a BBQ flavor profile, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/best-chicken-marinade-for-juicy-flavor/