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Best Chicken Marinade for the Grill

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  • Author: lima
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1430 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Marinade
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Transform your chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece with this easy and versatile marinade that delivers restaurant-quality results.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 23 pounds chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
  2. Whisk in the soy sauce and honey until mixed.
  3. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk thoroughly.
  4. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Pat the chicken pieces dry and place them in a large bowl or gallon-sized zip-lock bag.
  6. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover or seal tightly and massage gently to distribute the marinade.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling.
  9. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
  10. Grill chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes per side for breasts or 8-10 minutes per side for thighs and drumsticks until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  11. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t over-marinate chicken breasts beyond 24 hours, as the acid can make the meat mushy. Save some unmarked marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a sauce.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg