Description

This easy grilled chicken marinade uses simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and garlic to create juicy, flavorful chicken. It balances acid and oil for perfect tenderness and char without drying out the meat.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until well combined and slightly thickened.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. If breasts are thick, pound gently to even thickness. Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish.
Pour marinade over chicken, massaging to coat evenly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F-450°F) for 15 minutes. Clean grates and oil generously to prevent sticking.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard used marinade. Place chicken on grill and do not move for 5-6 minutes to allow searing.
Flip chicken and grill for another 5-6 minutes.
Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. If needed, move to cooler zone and cover to finish cooking.
Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices.

Notes

Do not marinate longer than 4 hours as the acid can make the meat mushy. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to a cooler zone. Resting the chicken is crucial for juiciness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 600
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 1
Protein: 25

Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken marinade, juicy chicken, easy dinner, summer grilling, healthy protein, gluten-free recipe