by: MikePosted on:

Must-Try Grilled Chicken Marinades

If you’re looking to elevate your grilled chicken game this summer, then look no further! This article brings you a compilation of delicious grilled chicken marinades that are a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast. From tangy citrus flavors to savory herb-infused concoctions, these marinades will take your chicken from good to lip-smackingly great. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with these mouthwatering grilled chicken marinades.

Must-Try Grilled Chicken Marinades

1. Classic BBQ Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  5. When ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  6. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • Make a double batch of the marinade and reserve half to use as a basting sauce while grilling.
  • This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or wings.

2. Tangy Lemon-Herb Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro to customize the flavor.
  • This marinade is also great for grilling vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and onions.

3. Spicy Asian Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sliced green onions, honey, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Tips

  • Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your desired level of spice.
  • If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add an additional teaspoon of honey.
  • Serve the grilled chicken with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-inspired meal.

4. Garlic-Lime Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
  • Garnish the grilled chicken with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of additional lime juice.
  • Use this marinade for fajitas by slicing the chicken and grilling it with onions and peppers.

Must-Try Grilled Chicken Marinades

5. Honey Mustard Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the marinade.
  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey to your taste.
  • Serve the grilled chicken sliced on a bed of mixed greens for a delicious salad.

6. Mediterranean Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Tips

  • Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
  • Serve the grilled chicken with a side of couscous or grilled vegetables for a Mediterranean feast.
  • Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the grilled chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

7. Teriyaki Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • If you like a sweeter teriyaki flavor, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
  • Slice the grilled teriyaki chicken and serve it over a bed of rice or in a stir-fry.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

8. Chipotle-Lime Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, adobo sauce, honey, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Adjust the amount of adobo sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
  • Pair the chipotle-lime chicken with grilled corn on the cob and black beans for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Top the grilled chicken with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess.

9. Greek Yogurt Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or mint)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or za’atar to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Serve the grilled chicken on a pita with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce for a classic Greek gyro.
  • This marinade also works well with other proteins like lamb or shrimp.

10. Citrus-Pepper Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, ground black pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and salt.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.
  7. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
  • Squeeze fresh orange and lime juice over the grilled chicken before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
  • Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Now that you have a collection of 10 must-try grilled chicken marinades, you are ready to take your grilling game to the next level. Whether you prefer classic BBQ flavors, tangy and herbaceous combinations, or bold and spicy profiles, these marinades will add a flavorful punch to your chicken. Remember to marinate the chicken for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, and grill to perfection until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. With these delicious marinades in your arsenal, you can transform ordinary grilled chicken into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece. Happy grilling!

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