Description
This foolproof grilled chicken marinade creates perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time with a balanced combination of simple ingredients that deliver complex flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard used marinade.
- Cook to Perfection: Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side for breasts, or 6-8 minutes per side for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest is Best: Transfer chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours. Never reuse marinade that contained raw chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz chicken
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg