Take your summer grilling to the next level with this flavorful chicken marinade! Perfect for any cut of chicken, this recipe is simple, versatile, and makes your grilled chicken juicy and delicious every time. From chicken breasts to thighs, wings, or drumsticks, this marinade transforms your chicken into a tender, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic chicken marinade is easy to make but packed with flavor. It elevates plain chicken into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner, making kabobs, or preparing chicken for sandwiches and salads, this marinade works perfectly for all cuts of chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
4 Tbsp oil (avocado oil or vegetable oil recommended)
1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Add the chicken to a large bowl or a plastic bag. Toss the chicken in oil and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
When ready to grill, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Preheat the grill to 400°F. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Marinade time: 30 minutes to overnight
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Add spice: Include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Add zest: Mix in lemon juice or lemon zest for a refreshing flavor.
Add sweetness: A small amount of honey or sugar enhances the marinade.
Make kabobs: Cube chicken and grill with vegetables for tasty kabobs.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Reheat: Warm in a pan or air fryer until heated through.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can this marinade be used with different types of meat?
Yes, this marinade works well with chicken thighs, wings, drumsticks, and even other meats like turkey or beef.
How long should you marinate chicken?
Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to overnight in the refrigerator.
How long can you marinate chicken?
Chicken can be safely marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Longer than that may affect texture.
Can I grill chicken without oil?
While oil is recommended for moisture and preventing sticking, you can grill without it. Just monitor closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
What is the best grill temperature for this chicken?
Preheat the grill to 400°F for medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, you can broil it in the oven or pan-sear on the stove if you don’t have a grill.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the marinade to increase heat.
Can I use this marinade for chicken salad or wraps?
Yes, grilled chicken prepared with this marinade is perfect for salads, wraps, bowls, and sandwiches.
Does marinating overnight make a big difference?
Yes, overnight marinating enhances flavor and makes the chicken extra tender.
Conclusion
This chicken marinade is a summer grilling essential. It’s easy, versatile, and brings out the best flavors in any cut of chicken. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, kabobs, or a simple family dinner, this marinade guarantees juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every time. Marinate, grill, and enjoy a restaurant-quality chicken meal right at home.
This flavorful chicken marinade is simple, versatile, and perfect for grilling. Made with oil and a bold blend of spices, it keeps chicken juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor every time.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Place chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add oil and toss to coat evenly.
In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until fully coated.
Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Remove chicken from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling.
Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C). Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Can be used for thighs, wings, or drumsticks.
Cook indoors by pan-searing or broiling if needed.
Store cooked chicken in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
