15 Best Chicken Marinades

Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade

A classic and refreshing marinade that brings a burst of citrus and aromatic herbs to your chicken dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well and pour over chicken, ensuring it’s completely coated.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked.

Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

Sweet and tangy, this marinade adds a delightful layer of flavor to any chicken dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken with the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
3. Cook the chicken on a stovetop or grill until fully done.

Teriyaki Chicken Marinade

Bring the taste of Japan to your table with this savory and slightly sweet marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking method:

1. Mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Pour over chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through.

Greek Yogurt Marinade

This creamy marinade infuses chicken with a rich, tangy flavor, perfect for grilling or baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken generously and let it marinate for at least 3 hours.
3. Bake or grill until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Maple Dijon Marinade

A deliciously sweet and slightly spicy marinade that gives chicken a beautiful caramelized glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Cover the chicken with the marinade and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
3. Roast or grill the chicken until cooked through.

Garlic Soy Marinade

Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, this marinade is packed with umami and garlic goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, honey, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook on the stovetop or grill until fully cooked.

Spicy Sriracha Lime Marinade

A fiery blend for those who love a kick of spice in their chicken dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix Sriracha, lime juice, honey, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it rest for 1-2 hours in the fridge.
3. Grill or bake until the chicken is properly cooked.

Coconut Curry Marinade

A rich and aromatic marinade that brings the exotic flavors of the tropics to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Submerge chicken in the mixture and marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.
3. Bake or grill until the chicken is cooked through.

Balsamic Rosemary Marinade

This marinade creates a deep, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness and herbal notes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Pour over chicken, ensuring it's well-coated, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Cook on a grill or in the oven until done.

Smoky Paprika Marinade

Infuse your chicken with a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, perfect for a barbecue or oven roast.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Grill or bake the chicken until thoroughly cooked.