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Grilled Chicken Marinade

Grilled Chicken Marinade

Elevate your barbecue game with this flavorful grilled chicken marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a savory sensation. Combining tangy lemon juice, rich balsamic vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this marinade adds depth to your dish with minimal effort. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Use it for grilling, baking, or pan-searing; the options are endless! Enjoy the juicy, tender chicken in salads, wraps, or sandwiches that will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately four servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl or freezer bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and all seasonings.
  2. Add chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to 400 degrees F. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through (165 degrees F). Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake at 425 degrees F for about 16–18 minutes.
  • Author: Adriana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling/Baking/Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra flavor kick, marinate longer than 30 minutes. Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for added freshness.