Can I use this marinade for other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, turkey breast, or even firm fish like swordfish or tuna. Adjust marinating times accordingly—about 1 hour for fish, 3–4 hours for pork or turkey.

Is there a way to make this marinade without honey?

Yes! You can substitute maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar in equal amounts. For a sugar-free version, use a tablespoon of monk fruit sweetener or omit the sweetener entirely and add extra balsamic for complexity.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

Definitely. The marinade keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's a great prep-ahead step for busy weeks.

What if I don't have a grill?

No grill? No problem! This marinade works beautifully for oven-baked chicken (400°F for about 20–25 minutes), air-fried chicken (380°F for 12–15 minutes), or even pan-seared on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

Can I reuse the marinade as a sauce?

Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken. However, you can easily make extra marinade and set aside a portion before adding the chicken. This reserved marinade can be simmered for 5 minutes to use as a delicious finishing sauce.

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

Name: The Best EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade That Will Transform Your BBQ
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 h 8 min 55 s
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!); 3 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium works great); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2–3 pounds chicken (breasts, thighs, or a mix)

The Best EVER Grilled Chicken Marinade That Will Transform Your BBQ

Print Recipe

Juicy, flavorful, and foolproof—this grilled chicken marinade transforms basic poultry into a crave-worthy meal. With sweet, tangy, and savory notes, it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to summer barbecues.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2.5-24.5 hours
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium works great)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2–3 pounds chicken (breasts, thighs, or a mix)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce until smooth.
Add oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk again.
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. If using thick breasts, pound to even thickness.
Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal bag or cover dish and refrigerate for 2–24 hours.
Remove chicken from fridge 20–30 minutes before grilling. Preheat grill to medium-high (375–450°F).
Oil grill grates. Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining marinade. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side (breasts) or 6–8 minutes per side (thighs), until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This marinade also works well for pork tenderloin or firm fish like swordfish. Make extra to use as a sauce—just reserve a portion before marinating and simmer before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz grilled chicken with marinade
Calories: 280
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: grilled chicken marinade, balsamic chicken, BBQ chicken marinade, summer grilling, juicy grilled chicken

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