A delicious aroma fills the air as you sink your teeth into perfectly grilled chicken, the juicy meat bursting with flavor. This Grilled Chicken Marinade is not only simple to prepare, but it takes just 15 minutes to whip up, delivering glossy, restaurant-style results thanks to the perfect blend of acidic and sweet ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a summer barbecue. It’s also a great choice for meal prep, as the marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This marinade ensures exceptionally juicy chicken every time.
- The combination of honey and mustard creates a beautiful glaze.
- You can prepare the marinade in under 15 minutes.
- Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make your marinade and marinated chicken:
For the Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Honey can be used instead of brown sugar.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Olive oil: can swap with avocado oil.
- Dijon mustard: use yellow mustard in a pinch.
- Fresh parsley: swap with cilantro or basil.
- Lemon juice: substitute with lime juice.
How to Make It
Start by preparing the marinade and chicken.
Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley until well combined. This mixture will create a flavorful base for your chicken.
Marinate chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat grill
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensuring the grill is hot helps achieve nice grill marks and quick cooking.
Grill chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked yet remains juicy.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: No, chicken loses texture when frozen.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm throughout.
Tips for Best Results
- For the best flavor, marinate chicken longer than 30 minutes, ideally overnight.
- To avoid sticking, oil the grill grates before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing for juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve over a fresh salad for a light lunch.
- Great alongside rice or quinoa to soak up flavors.
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