This grilled chicken marinade recipe creates the most tender, flavorful chicken you’ll ever make. I’ve been using this marinade for years, and it always impresses at summer cookouts and weeknight dinners. The simple combination of herbs, citrus, and garlic transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with minimal effort.
What makes this marinade special is its incredible flavor and perfect texture.. Whether grilling for a crowd or making a quick family dinner, this recipe consistently produces juicy, restaurant-quality results.
No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️
Table of contents
Easy Chicken Marinade
I love this easy recipe because it transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something outrageously delicious with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This has become my go-to marinade for everything from weekend BBQs to busy Tuesday nights when I need dinner on the table fast.
The best part? You can throw everything into a ziplock bag in the morning; by evening, you have perfectly marinated chicken ready to grill (or allow at least 2 hours). The result is tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful golden color and bold flavor that makes even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. Plus, any leftovers taste amazing cold from the fridge the next day.
What You’ll Need to Cook
- Chicken Breasts
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Oregano and Thyme
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Ingredient Substitutes
Lemon Juice: Replace with lime juice or white wine vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar Substitute: Red wine or apple cider vinegar works well as a replacement. Red wine vinegar provides similar acidity with a slightly sharper flavor, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity sweetness. Use the same amount as the original recipe.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
Step 1: Create the Marinade
Start by whisking olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously to combine the oil and acids, creating a temporary emulsion that helps distribute flavors evenly.
Add the minced garlic, fresh oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liquid base. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish. Using a bag makes it easier to massage the marinade around the chicken and takes up less refrigerator space. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-24 hours, for maximum flavor. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination. The marinade’s acids will continue to tenderize the meat throughout this time, while the flavors penetrate deeper into the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare for Grilling
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) and clean the grates thoroughly. Oil the grates just before cooking to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving good grill marks and preventing flare-ups. Discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Slice against the grain for the most tender texture.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Cool the grilled chicken completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes covered with foil, or in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
📌 Did you try this recipe?
Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?
I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!
📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.
What To Serve With Grilled Chicken
- 🥕 Grilled Carrots
- 🧄 Grilled Garlic Bread
- 🥔 Smoked Baked Potatoes
- 🧀 Bacon Mac and Cheese
- 🥓 Loaded Mashed Potato
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over chicken.
- Seal bag or cover dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) and oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
