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The Best All-Purpose Chicken Marinade for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Close-up of perfectly cooked chicken pieces coated in a dark, flavorful chicken marinade, showing charred edges.
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Make incredibly tender and flavorful chicken every time with this simple, all-purpose marinade. It uses pantry staples and works for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until fully combined. This is your simple chicken marinade.
  2. Place your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or wings) into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours due to the lemon juice content.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 400°F (200°C), or pan-sear until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • This recipe works well for 1.5 pounds of chicken. Adjust quantities if you are preparing a larger batch.
  • For freezer-friendly preparation, place the chicken and marinade together in a freezer-safe bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • This marinade is a great healthy chicken marinade idea because it uses fresh ingredients and healthy fats.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/best-chicken-marinade-for-juicy-flavorful-chicken/