Can I use this marinade for other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! My go-to grilled chicken marinade for perfectly tender chicken works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, turkey breast, or even firm fish like swordfish or tuna. Adjust marinating times accordingly (less time for fish, similar time for pork).

Is this marinade suitable for air fryers or oven baking?

Yes! Cook marinated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. For oven baking, 375°F for 20–25 minutes works well, depending on thickness.

Can I make this marinade ahead and store it?

You can mix the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before using. Just give it a good shake or stir before adding your chicken.

What if I don't have fresh lemon juice?

Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but reduce to 2 tablespoons as it's often more concentrated. Apple cider vinegar also makes a good substitute with its mild fruity tang.

Why is my chicken still coming out dry despite using the marinade?

The most common cause is overcooking. Invest in an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting.

My Go-To Grilled Chicken Marinade for Perfectly Tender Chicken You Need to Try 2025

Name: My Go-To Grilled Chicken Marinade for Perfectly Tender Chicken You Need to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487708H9M18S
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium works well too); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

My Go-To Grilled Chicken Marinade for Perfectly Tender Chicken You Need to Try

Print Recipe

Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken. This go-to grilled chicken marinade uses pantry staples to deliver juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Perfect for meal prep, barbecues, or simple weeknight dinners.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes to 24 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium works well too)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, mustard, and soy sauce until smooth.
Add oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness (about 3/4 inch).
Add chicken and marinade to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Remove chicken from fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Preheat grill to medium-high (375–425°F).
Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not reuse marinade that’s been in contact with raw chicken. If desired, reserve some beforehand and simmer for 5 minutes to use as a sauce. Great for pork or fish too!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 8 oz cooked chicken)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: grilled chicken marinade, juicy grilled chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken marinade

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/my-go-to-grilled-chicken-marinade-for-perfectly-tender-chicken/