Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
If you’re in the mood for an effortless yet deeply flavorful meal, look no further than Marinated Grilled Chicken. This favorite dish turns simple chicken breasts into a succulent main course with just a handful of pantry staples and a little time. The chicken gets luxuriously juicy and savory from its garlicky, citrus-soy marinade, with a subtle touch of honey rounding out each bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or meal prepping ahead, this versatile recipe delivers reliably delicious results every time. If you love recipes that offer maximum reward for minimal effort, this one absolutely belongs at the top of your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the flavors in this recipe come together thanks to a carefully chosen selection of fresh and pantry ingredients. Each one adds something special, contributing to the marinade’s deep, crave-worthy taste and eye-catching color—without any fuss or specialty items required.
- Chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas, ready to soak up every bit of flavor from the marinade and grill up juicy and tender.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist as it grills.
- Soy sauce: Infuses savory depth and a subtle umami punch that balances beautifully with the other flavors.
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness and a gentle tang that makes the chicken taste fresh and lively.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the marinade and promote gorgeous caramelization on the grill.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, deliver aromatic punch and classic appeal—don’t skimp!
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness and that unmistakable Mediterranean character.
- Paprika: Adds inviting color and a gentle warmth, boosting both looks and flavor.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors and helps the marinade penetrate deeply into the chicken.
- Black pepper: Finishes things off with mild heat and a touch of spice.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the final dish with freshness and vibrant green.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Mix up the marinade
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and your whisk. Combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth and well blended—you’ll notice the marinade developing a lovely golden hue, and the aroma is truly mouthwatering. This flavorful mixture is the secret behind every irresistible bite of Marinated Grilled Chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the entire marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly (or cover your dish) and turn the chicken so every piece is evenly coated. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—though 2 to 4 hours is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. This hands-off time is where the magic truly happens!
Step 3: Preheat and prep the grill
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take a moment to lightly oil the grates—this keeps the Marinated Grilled Chicken from sticking and ensures beautiful grill marks. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. (If you reserved a bit of marinade before adding the chicken, now’s the time to have it on hand for basting!)
Step 4: Grill to perfection
Lay the chicken breasts directly onto the hot grill grates. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, turning once, until each piece is charred, golden, and glistening with flavor. The most important detail—make sure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. This ensures every bite will be juicy and safe to eat.
Step 5: Rest and garnish
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every piece tender and moist. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness—your Marinated Grilled Chicken is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
Give your finished chicken that appetizing, restaurant-worthy look by adding a shower of chopped fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra, a few lemon wedges or a light drizzle of olive oil over the top can accentuate the bright and zesty notes from the marinade. For a splash of color, tuck a few cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onion alongside the chicken just before serving.
Side Dishes
Marinated Grilled Chicken is endlessly versatile, making it the perfect centerpiece for a wide variety of sides. Kick up the health factor with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or crank up the comfort with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes. Grilled veggies—like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus—look beautiful and soak up any drips of extra marinade. You could also pair with classic corn on the cob or a refreshing grain salad for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or looking to mix things up, try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a big platter of greens for a show-stopping main course salad. You could also stuff the slices in pita bread with some creamy tzatziki and crisp veggies for Mediterranean-inspired wraps. Hosting a summer party? Cube the chicken before marinating, then skewer it for easy-to-eat kabobs. No matter how you plate it, Marinated Grilled Chicken is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marinated Grilled Chicken stays incredibly moist, making it perfect for future meals. Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty in salads, sandwiches, or wraps as they were fresh off the grill.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a sealed freezer bag. Properly stored, it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, simply thaw the pieces overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Marinated Grilled Chicken and keep it juicy, warm it slowly in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over low heat. Alternatively, use your oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or microwave gently in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top to revive its brightness just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts?
Absolutely! This marinade works beautifully with any cut of chicken you like. Thighs and drumsticks are especially juicy and flavorful—just adjust the grilling time as needed, since they might require a few extra minutes to cook through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes will give you good flavor in a pinch, letting the chicken soak for 2 to 4 hours (or even overnight) delivers the most pronounced taste and ultimate tenderness. Avoid going much longer than 12 hours, though, as the acid from the lemon juice can affect the texture.
Do I need to reserve some marinade for basting?
Saving a few tablespoons of marinade (before it touches raw chicken) for basting is a fantastic way to enhance flavor and moisture on the grill. Just be sure not to use marinade that’s been in contact with raw chicken for food safety reasons.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook Marinated Grilled Chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even roast the marinated breasts in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll still get tons of flavor, even without the outdoor grill marks.
Is Marinated Grilled Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels if you have dietary sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting down to a meal that’s packed with flavor, color, and a touch of grilled goodness. Marinated Grilled Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to revisit all year round—simple enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for guests. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy and delicious dinnertime can be!
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Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a summer BBQ. The chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill, remove chicken from marinade, grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer chicken to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- This marinade is versatile and works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks as well.
- For added flavor, reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a basting sauce while grilling.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
