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

Close-up of perfectly grilled, charred chicken pieces coated in a rich, orange-red chicken marinade, served on a white plate.
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This is the ultimate, easy chicken marinade recipe that guarantees tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time you grill, bake, or air fry. It uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is fully combined.
  2. Place 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken (breasts, thighs, or wings) into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results and maximum tenderness, marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours, especially with chicken breasts.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 400°F (200°C), or air fry until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Discard any leftover marinade.

Notes

  • This marinade works well for meal prep; you can prepare it up to 3 days ahead and freeze it with the chicken.
  • For grilling, lightly oil the grates before placing the marinated chicken down to prevent sticking.
  • If you are cooking chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before marinating for consistent cooking times.

Nutrition

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