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My Go-To Grilled Chicken Marinade for Perfectly Tender Chicken - Image 3

My Go-To Grilled Chicken Marinade

A simple yet flavorful marinade that guarantees tender, juicy grilled chicken every time. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Whisk
  • Bowl
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt until well combined. This is your marinade.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the grill.
  4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy results.

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
• Avoid over-marinating as the acidity can start to break down the chicken, leading to a mushy texture.
• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Food Safety:
• Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
• Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.