The Best Chicken Marinade
This best chicken marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a juicy, flavorful dish with the perfect blend of soy sauce, lemon juice, and smoky goodness. It's an easy chicken marinade that's versatile for grilling or stovetop cooking and quick to prepare for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ⅔ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Instructions
- In a large glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, liquid smoke, mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, turning them to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours—don’t go over 4 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat.
- Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll know it’s perfect when the juices run clear and the outside has a golden brown sear.
- Transfer the chicken to a clean plate, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve!
Notes
Make sure to discard used marinade for food safety! It’s not safe to reuse raw chicken marinade without boiling it first.