Can I use this marinade for other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! This BEST EVER marinade works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, shrimp, and even firm fish like salmon or swordfish. Just adjust the marinating time—30 minutes for seafood, 2–4 hours for pork.

I don't have a grill. Can I still use this marinade?

Yes! You can cook this marinated chicken in a grill pan, under the broiler, or even in a 425°F oven for about 20–25 minutes. You'll still get fantastic flavor, though outdoor grilling adds that signature smoky note.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

The BEST EVER grilled chicken marinade can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before adding to chicken. It’s a great meal prep time-saver!

Is this marinade spicy?

The base recipe has a mild kick from black pepper and red pepper flakes. It’s kid-friendly as written, but you can increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Why is my chicken sticking to the grill?

The oil in the marinade helps reduce sticking, but make sure your grill is preheated and clean. Also, don’t flip the chicken too early—wait until it naturally releases from the grates before turning.

The BEST EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade That Will Transform Your BBQ 2025

The BEST EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade That Will Transform Your BBQ

Print Recipe

This BEST EVER grilled chicken marinade is a game-changer for summer BBQs. With the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, it guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Ideal for grilling, baking, or meal prep!

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (or up to 24 hours)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, Dijon, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Marinate: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or glass dish. Pour marinade over it, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
Preheat Grill: Let chicken sit at room temp for 20 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high (375–450°F).
Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Discard used marinade.
Rest & Serve: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides or slice for salads, wraps, or bowls.

Notes

Make ahead tip: Freeze raw chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and grill as directed. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 pound grilled chicken with marinade
Calories: 310
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: grilled chicken marinade, summer BBQ chicken, best ever chicken marinade, lemon garlic chicken, easy marinade recipe

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/the-best-ever-grilled-chicken-marinade-2/