Chicken Marinades (9 recipes!)
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This list of 9 easy and delicious recipes for chicken marinades will save you from boring chicken all year.
Grilling season is beginning, right? Michigan has been playing games with us, but I’m pretty sure this is happening at some point.
We grill chicken breasts more than anything else, and it’s really a must to marinate the chicken before you grill it. A non-marinated chicken breast is not only flavorless and dull, but it’s also drier and just all-around not as tasty. Some of the chicken marinades on this list are for thighs or drumsticks, but all of them will work on any part of the chicken.
My go-to recipes on this list are the Greek marinade and the shish tawook marinade, but they’re all terrific! The balsamic marinade is super popular based on the reviews, and I also really love the honey mustard chicken marinade. If you like spicy, sweet, honey-based, or tangy, there’s something for you on this list.
Most of these marinades can marinate overnight if you want, but I recommend all of them marinate at least 1 hour (in your fridge!). You can find specific directions if you click through to each post.
Tips for getting extra flavor from Chicken Marinades:
- The obvious one is to marinate longer, up to overnight.
- I like to butterfly my chicken breasts or cut it in cubes and skewer it. This gives the marinade more surface area to infuse flavor, and it also helps the chicken to cook more quickly.
- Place chicken with marinade in a zip-top bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. This will ensure that all the chicken comes in contact with the marinade.
Check out all the chicken marinade recipes below!
Which one are you making first? I can’t wait for grilling season to be in full swing!
Chicken Marinades
Whatever you're in the mood for...whatever you have in your fridge...there are chicken marinades for you! Find the perfect recipe on this list.
A marinade made with all ingredients you probably have on hand, it's going to become a favorite for both grilling and cooking in the oven!
For juicy and flavorful grilled chicken, try marinating it in a zesty Italian chicken marinade. You'll be amazed at how tasty and easy this homemade marinade is.
This Greek Style Chicken Marinade is flavorful and made with pantry staples – don’t grill plain chicken ever again.
This zesty and flavorful tequila lime chicken marinade is reminiscent of a margarita and perfect for making grilled chicken for fajitas. You’re going to love it!
Sweet and tangy, this honey mustard chicken marinade is not only a huge hit with everyone that tries it, but it's also easy to make and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Try it tonight!
Make this Lebanese favorite at home! Shish Tawook will soon be your go-to chicken recipe thanks to the flavorful garlic, lemon, and yogurt marinade.
Beer marinated chicken thighs scream SUMMER loud and clear. The subtle taste of the beer in every bite of the chicken will have everyone singing your praises.
These flavorful grilled chicken shawarma drumsticks are going to become a summertime favorite! With the flavors of chicken shawarma that you know and love, you’ll want to plan on putting this recipe into regular rotation!
Infused with the flavors of ginger, sesame, soy, and garlic, this marinade is perfect for summer grilling!
luda says
Thanks for this great recipe !
It’s really the most delicious and Chicken especially recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
Thank you!
Denise says
Yum! So many choices!
I’ve been butterflying chicken for years, too!
Rachel Gurk says
Such a good way to prepare chicken!
Sabrina says
nice marinades, thank you. love anything that adds more flavor to chicken, Asian Grilled Chicken especially
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear you like these marinades! Thanks for the comment!