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Close-up of grilled chicken pieces coated in a flavorful herb chicken marinade, resting on a white plate.

The Best All-Purpose Chicken Marinade


  • Author: Ahazzam
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Make tender, flavorful chicken every time with this simple, all-purpose marinade. It works well for grilling, baking, or air frying.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika


Instructions

  1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. Whisk until fully mixed.
  2. Place 1.5 pounds of chicken pieces (breasts or thighs) into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best results. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours due to the lemon juice content.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade before cooking. Discard the remaining marinade.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill, bake at 400°F (200°C), or air fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For freezer-friendly meal prep, marinate the chicken and freeze it directly in the sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • If you are cooking chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking.
  • You can substitute apple cider vinegar for lemon juice if you prefer a milder acid flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Marinating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 oz cooked chicken
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 24
  • Cholesterol: 75