The Best Chicken Marinade – Fast Prep, Big Flavor!

The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

Looking for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken ever? This marinade is a game changer—it soaks deep into the meat, making every bite tender, juicy, and ridiculously delicious. Perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking, this will become your go-to marinade every time you cook chicken!

Why You’ll Love It:

Easy to make – Takes just 5 minutes to mix up!
Packed with flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Super versatile – Grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet!
Works fast – Even if you only have 30 minutes, you’ll still get amazing flavor.

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The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 113

This game-changing chicken marinade is your secret weapon for juicy, flavor-packed chicken every time! With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, it takes just 5 minutes to mix up and works like magic on grilled, baked, or stovetop chicken. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or need a quick dinner fix, this marinade guarantees tender, outrageously delicious chicken—every single time.

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar you like)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ⅛ cup lemon juice
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard
• 1 ½ tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 6 chicken breasts (or 3.5 lbs of chicken)

Instructions 

How to Make It

• Mix Up the Magic

  In a big bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Scoop out ½ cup and set it aside for later (this will be used for basting).
• Marinate the Chicken

  Toss the chicken into a large resealable bag

  .Pour the marinade over it and massage it gently so every piece gets coated.

  Seal it up tight!

  Short on time? Poke a few holes in the chicken with a fork to help it soak up the flavors faster.
• Let It Soak

  Minimum: 30 minutes (still awesome).

  Perfect: 4 to 6 hours.

  Maximum: 24 hours (for ultimate flavor).

How to Cook It

• Grill It

  Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

  Take the chicken out of the marinade (let the excess drip off).

  Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F).

  Baste with the reserved marinade while cooking for extra flavor.

  Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• Bake It

  Preheat your oven to 400°F.

  Place the marinated chicken on a shallow baking sheet.

  Bake for 18 to 22 minutes (or 450°F for 15 to 18 minutes if you’re in a hurry).

  Baste occasionally for extra juiciness.

  Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
• Stovetop

  Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.

  Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F.

  Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve!

Notes

Bonus Flavor Boost

Want extra sauce? Take the reserved marinade, bring it to a boil, and let it simmer until slightly thickened. Drizzle over your chicken for a mouthwatering finish!

Pro Tips:

The longer you marinate, the better the flavor!
Always let your chicken rest before slicing—it locks in the juices.
Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken

Calories: 113kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken Marinade