Can I use this 4 ingredient chicken marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork chops, flank steak, or even firm fish like salmon or tuna. Just adjust the marinating time—beef can go longer (up to 24 hours), while fish needs only 15–30 minutes.

How long does the 4 ingredient chicken marinade last in the refrigerator?

The unused marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it's been in contact with raw chicken, it must be discarded or boiled for food safety.

Can I make this 4 ingredient chicken marinade without honey?

Yes! Substitute maple syrup, brown sugar, or even apricot jam. For a sugar-free version, try a tablespoon of orange juice with a tiny bit of stevia.

Is this 4 ingredient chicken marinade suitable for grilling?

This marinade is perfect for grilling! The honey helps create beautiful caramelization on the grill. Just watch it carefully, as the sugar content can cause faster browning.

Can I double or triple this 4 ingredient chicken marinade recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales perfectly for meal prep or feeding a crowd. I often make a large batch and freeze portions of marinated chicken for future easy meals.

4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade That Transforms Your Dinner Fast 2025

4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade That Transforms Your Dinner Fast

Print Recipe

This quick and easy 4 ingredient chicken marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a delicious, flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or the grill, it uses pantry staples and takes just minutes to prepare.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grill, Oven, Air Fryer, or Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin works best)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1–2 pounds chicken (breasts, thighs, or tenders)

Instructions

Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and garlic until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in marinade and coat chicken well. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
Cook: Remove chicken from marinade. Grill (5–7 min/side), bake (425°F for 16–22 min), pan-fry (6–8 min/side), or air fry (380°F for 10–12 min). Cook to 165°F internal temperature.
Serve: Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with salads, grains, wraps, or veggies.

Notes

Make ahead tip: Freeze chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. To use the marinade as a sauce, boil it for 1 minute to ensure food safety. Swap honey with maple syrup or orange juice for different flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz cooked chicken with marinade
Calories: 290
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: 4 ingredient chicken marinade, easy chicken marinade, healthy marinade, weeknight dinner, honey soy chicken

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/4-ingredient-chicken-marinade/